Electrophotographic organophotoreceptors with novel charge transport compounds

ABSTRACT

Charge transport compounds are described that have a multiple number of hydrazone-bridged (N,N-disubstituted)arylamine groups connected by a central bridging group. Examples of charge transport compounds of this invention are those having the following generic formula: 
 
(R-Q) n -Y 
where R is an (N,N-disubstituted)arylamine group; Q comprises an aliphatic or aromatic hydrazone linking group; n is 2; and  
     Y comprises a bridging group comprising an aryl group having the formula —Ar 1 -G-Ar 2 — where Ar 1  and Ar 2  are, each independently, an arylene group and G comprises a bond, O, S, —SO 2 —, an imine group, an alkylene group, or an aromatic group.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/748,496 filed on Dec. 30, 2003, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/963,141 filed on Sep. 24, 2001, titled “ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC ORGANOPHOTORECEPTORS WITH NOVEL CHARGE TRANSPORT COMPOUNDS.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to organophotoreceptors suitable for use in electrophotography and, more specifically, to flexible organophotoreceptors having novel charge transport compounds.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

In electrophotography, an organophotoreceptor in the form of a plate, disk, sheet, belt, or drum having an electrically insulating photoconductive element on an electrically conductive substrate is imaged by first uniformly electrostatically charging the surface of the photoconductive layer, and then exposing the charged surface to a pattern of light. The light exposure selectively dissipates the charge in the illuminated areas, thereby forming a pattern of charged and uncharged areas. A liquid or solid toner is then deposited in either the charged or uncharged areas to create a toned image on the surface of the photoconductive layer. The resulting visible toner image can be transferred to a suitable receiving surface such as paper. The imaging process can be repeated many times.

Both single layer and multilayer photoconductive elements have been used. In the single layer embodiment, a charge transport material and charge generating material are combined with a polymeric binder and then deposited on the electrically conductive substrate. In the multilayer embodiment, the charge transport material and charge generating material are in the form of separate layers, each of which can optionally be combined with a polymeric binder, deposited on the electrically conductive substrate. Two arrangements are possible. In one arrangement (the “dual layer” arrangement), the charge generating layer is deposited on the electrically conductive substrate and the charge transport layer is deposited on top of the charge generating layer. In an alternate arrangement (the “inverted dual layer” arrangement), the order of the charge transport layer and charge generating layer is reversed.

In both the single and multilayer photoconductive elements, the purpose of the charge generating material is to generate charge carriers (i.e., holes or electrons) upon exposure to light. The purpose of the charge transport material is to accept these charge carriers and transport them through the charge transport layer in order to discharge a surface charge on the photoconductive element.

To produce high quality images, particularly after multiple cycles, it is desirable for the charge transport material to form a homogeneous solution with the polymeric binder and remain in solution. In addition, it is desirable to maximize the amount of charge which the charge transport material can accept (indicated by a parameter known as the acceptance voltage or “V_(acc)”), and to minimize retention of that charge upon discharge (indicated by a parameter known as the residual voltage or “V_(res)”).

There are many charge transport materials available for electrophotography. The most common charge transport materials are pyrazoline derivatives, fluorene derivatives, oxadiazole derivatives, stilbene derivatives, hydrazone derivatives, carbazole hydrazone derivatives, polyvinyl carbazole, polyvinyl pyrene, or polyacenaphthylene. However, each of the above charge transport materials suffer some disadvantages. There is always a need for novel charge transport materials to meet the various requirements of electrophotography applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A charge transport compound having the following generic formula: (R-Q)_(n)-Y   Formula I wherein R is a heterocyclic group, preferably a heterocyclic group selected from the group consisting of julolidine ring groups, carbazole ring groups, and triarylmethane ring groups (examples of other heterocyclic groups being the following non-limiting list of such as thiazoline, thiazolidine, phenothiazine, oxazoline, imidazoline, imidazolidine, thiazole, oxazole, isoxazole, oxazolidinone, morpholine, imidazole, benzothiazole, benzotriazole, benzoxazole, benzimidazole, naphthothiazole, naphthoxazole, naphthimidazole, quinoline (e.g., 2-quinoline or 4-quinoline), isoquinoline, quinoxaline, indole, indazole, pyrrole, purine, pyrrolidine, pyridine, piperidine, pyridazine, pyrazoline, pyrimidine, pyrazine, triazole, oxadiazole, tetrazole, urazole, carbazole, julolidine, or thiadiazole ring.);

Q comprises an aliphatic or aromatic hydrazone linking group, such as

Y comprises a bridging group between R-Q- groups, such as a bond, carbon atom, nitrogen atom, oxygen atom, sulfur atom, a branched or linear —(CH₂)_(p)— group where p is an integer between 0 and 10, an aryl group, a cycloalkyl group, a cyclosiloxyl group (e.g., a cyclotetrasiloxyl group), a heterocyclic group, or a CR₁₀ group where R₁₀ is hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or aryl group;

Z is an alkyl group or an aryl group, preferably a phenyl group or naphthyl group;

X is a linking group, preferably a methylene group, and for example having the formula —(CH₂)_(m)— (branched or linear), where m is an integer between 0 and 20, inclusive, and one or more of the methylene groups is optionally replaced by O, S, N, C, B, Si, P, C═O, O═S═O, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic group, an NR_(a) group, a CR_(b) group, a CR_(c)R_(d) group, a SiR_(e)R_(f) group, a BR_(g) group, or a P(═O)R_(h) group, where R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(e), R_(f), R_(g), and R_(h) are, each independently, a bond, H, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, a halogen, an acyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylsulfanyl group, an alkenyl group, such as a vinyl group, an allyl group, and a 2-phenylethenyl group, an alkynyl group, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic group, a part of a ring group, such as cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups, and a benzo group, or an alkyl group where one or more of the hydrogens of the alkyl group is optionally replaced by an aromatic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, or a halogen; and

n is an integer between 2 and 6, inclusive.

In another aspect of the invention, the invention features a charge transport compound having the following formula: (R-Q)_(n)-Y   Formula II

where R is an (N,N-disubstituted)arylamine group;

Q comprises an aliphatic or aromatic hydrazone linking group, such as

where Z is an alkyl group or an aryl group and X is a linking group;

n is 2; and

Y comprises a bridging group comprising an aryl group having the formula —Ar₁-G-Ar₂— where Ar₁ and Ar₂ are, each independently, an arylene group and G comprises a bond, O, S, —SO₂—, an imine group, an alkylene group, or an aromatic group.

In some embodiments of interest, Y in Formula (II) has the formula:

where A₁, A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅, A₆, A₇, and A₈ comprise, each independently, H, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a cyano group, a nitro group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, a halogen, an acyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylsulfanyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, a part of a ring group, such as cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups, and a benzo group, or an alkyl group where one or more of the hydrogens of the alkyl group is optionally replaced by an aromatic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, or a halogen.

In another aspect of the invention, the invention features an organophotoreceptor that includes:

(a) a charge transport compound having Formula I or Formula II above;

(b) a charge generating compound; and

(c) an electrically conductive substrate.

In another aspect of the invention, the invention features an electrophotographic imaging apparatus comprising:

(a) a plurality of support rollers; and

(b) an organophotoreceptor in the form of a flexible belt threaded around said support rollers, said organophotoreceptor comprising:

-   -   -   (i) a charge transport compound having Formula I or Formula             II;         -   (ii) a charge generating compound; and         -   (iii) an electrically conductive substrate.

In another aspect of the invention, the invention features an electrophotographic imaging process comprising:

(a) applying an electrical charge to a surface of an organophotoreceptor comprising:

-   -   -   (i) a charge transport compound having Formula I or Formula             II;

(b) imagewise exposing said surface of said organophotoreceptor to radiation to dissipate charge in selected areas and thereby form a pattern of charged and uncharged areas on said surface;

(c) contacting said surface with a toner comprising colorant particles; and

(d) transferring said toned image to a substrate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A charge transport compound having the following generic formula: (R-Q)_(n)-Y   Formula I

wherein R is a heterocyclic group, preferably a heterocyclic group selected from the group consisting of julolidine ring groups, carbazole ring groups, and triarylmethane ring groups (examples of other heterocyclic groups being the following non-limiting list of such as thiazoline, thiazolidine, phenothiazine, oxazoline, imidazoline, imidazolidine, thiazole, oxazole, isoxazole, oxazolidinone, morpholine, imidazole, benzothiazole, benzotriazole, benzoxazole, benzimidazole, naphthothiazole, naphthoxazole, naphthimidazole, quinoline (e.g., 2-quinoline or 4-quinoline), isoquinoline, quinoxaline, indole, indazole, pyrrole, purine, pyrrolidine, pyridine, piperidine, pyridazine, pyrazoline, pyrimidine, pyrazine, triazole, oxadiazole, tetrazole, urazole, carbazole, julolidine, or thiadiazole ring.);

Q comprises an aliphatic or aromatic hydrazone linking group, such as

Y comprises a bridging group between R-Q- groups, such as a bond, carbon atom, nitrogen atom, oxygen atom, sulfur atom, a branched or linear —(CH₂)_(p)— group where p is an integer between 0 and 10, an aryl group, a cycloalkyl group, a cyclosiloxyl group (e.g., a cyclotetrasiloxyl group), a heterocyclic group, or a CR₁₀ group where R₁₀ is hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or aryl group;

Z is an alkyl group or an aryl group, preferably a phenyl group or naphthyl group;

X is a linking group, preferably a methylene group, and for example having the formula —(CH₂)_(m)— (branched or linear), where m is an integer between 0 and 20, inclusive, and one or more of the methylene groups is optionally replaced by O, S, N, C, B, Si, P, C═O, O═S═O, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic group, an NR_(a) group, a CR_(b) group, a CR_(c)R_(d) group, a SiR_(e)R_(f) group, a BR_(g) group, or a P(═O)R_(h) group, where R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(e), R_(f), R_(g), and R_(h) are, each independently, a bond, H, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, a halogen, an acyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylsulfanyl group, an alkenyl group, such as a vinyl group, an allyl group, and a 2-phenylethenyl group, an alkynyl group, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic group, a part of a ring group, such as cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups, and a benzo group, or an alkyl group where one or more of the hydrogens of the alkyl group is optionally replaced by an aromatic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, or a halogen; and

n is an integer between 2 and 6, inclusive.

In some embodiments of interest, Y comprises a bridging group comprising an aryl group having the formula —Ar₁-G-Ar₂— where Ar₁ and Ar₂ are, each independently, an arylene group and G comprises a bond, O, S, —SO₂—, an imine group, an alkylene group, or an aromatic group. In other embodiments of interest, Y has the formula:

where A₁, A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅, A₆, A₇, and A₈ comprise, each independently, H, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a cyano group, a nitro group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, a halogen, an acyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylsulfanyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, a part of a ring group, such as cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups, and a benzo group, or an alkyl group where one or more of the hydrogens of the alkyl group is optionally replaced by an aromatic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, or a halogen.

Various specific classes of charge transport compound within the scope of Formula I include, but are not limited to the following:

In a first aspect, the invention features an organophotoreceptor that includes:

(a) a charge transport compound having the formula

where n is an integer between 2 and 6, inclusive;

R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are, independently, hydrogen, a halogen atom, hydroxy group, thiol group, an alkoxy group, a branched or linear alkyl group (e.g., a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group), a branched or linear unsaturated hydrocarbon group, an ether group, nitro group, an amino group, a cycloalkyl group (e.g. a cyclohexyl group), or an aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or naphthyl group); and

X is a linking group having the formula —(CH₂)_(m)—, branched or linear, where m is an integer between 0 and 50, inclusive, and one or more of the methylene groups is optionally replaced by O, S, N, C, B, Si, P, C═O, O═S═O, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic group, an NR_(a) group, a CR_(b) group, a CR_(c)R_(d) group, a SiR_(e)R_(f) group, a BR_(g) group, or a P(═O)R_(h) group, where R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(e), R_(f), R_(g), and R_(h) are, each independently, a bond, H, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, a halogen, an acyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylsulfanyl group, an alkenyl group, such as a vinyl group, an allyl group, and a 2-phenylethenyl group, an alkynyl group, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic group, a part of a ring group, such as cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups, and a benzo group, or an alkyl group where one or more of the hydrogens of the alkyl group is optionally replaced by an aromatic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, or a halogen.

The charge transport compound may or may not be symmetrical. Thus, for example, a linking group X for any given “arm” of the compound may be the same or different from the linking groups in other “arms” of the compound. Similarly, the R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ groups for any given “arm” of the compound may be the same or different from the R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ groups in any other arm. In addition, the above-described formula for the charge transport compound is intended to cover isomers; or

b) a charge transport compound of the formula:

where n is an integer between 2 and 6, inclusive;

R₁ is hydrogen, a branched or linear alkyl group (e.g., a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group), a branched or linear unsaturated hydrocarbon group, an ether group, or an aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or naphthyl group);

R₂ is hydrogen, a halogen, hydroxy group, thiol group, an alkoxy group, a branched or linear alkyl group (e.g., a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group), a branched or linear unsaturated hydrocarbon group, an ether group, a cycloalkyl group (e.g. a cyclohexyl group), an aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or naphthyl group), or a —NR₄R₅ group where R₄ and R₅ are, independently, hydrogen, a branched or linear alkyl group, a branched or linear unsaturated hydrocarbon group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, or R₄ and R₅ combine with the nitrogen atom to form a ring;

R₃ is hydrogen, a halogen, hydroxy group, thiol group, an alkoxy group, a branched or linear alkyl group (e.g., a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group), a branched or linear unsaturated hydrocarbon group, an ether group, a cycloalkyl group (e.g. a cyclohexyl group), or an aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or naphthyl group);

X is a linking group having the formula —(CH₂)_(m)—, branched or linear, where m is an integer between 0 and 20, inclusive, and one or more of the methylene groups is optionally replaced by O, S, N, C, B, Si, P, C═O, O═S═O, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic group, an NR_(a) group, a CR_(b) group, a CR_(c)R_(d) group, a SiR_(e)R_(f) group, a BR_(g) group, or a P(═O)R_(h) group, where R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(e), R_(f), R_(g), and R_(h) are, each independently, a bond, H, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, a halogen, an acyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylsulfanyl group, an alkenyl group, such as a vinyl group, an allyl group, and a 2-phenylethenyl group, an alkynyl group, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic group, a part of a ring group, such as cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups, and a benzo group, or an alkyl group where one or more of the hydrogens of the alkyl group is optionally replaced by an aromatic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, or a halogen; and

Y is a bond, carbon atom, nitrogen atom, oxygen atom, sulfur atom, a branched or linear —(CH₂)_(p)— group where p is an integer between 0 and 10, an aryl group, a cycloalkyl group, a cyclosiloxyl group (e.g., a cyclotetrasiloxyl group), a heterocyclic group, or a CR₁₀ group where R₁₀ is hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or aryl group;

(b) a charge generating compound; and

(c) an electrically conductive substrate.

A heterocyclic group includes any monocyclic or polycyclic (e.g., bicyclic, tricyclic, etc.) ring compound having at least a heteroatom (e.g., O, S, N, P, B, Si, etc.) in the ring. Furthermore, the heterocyclic group may be aromatic or non-aromatic.

An aromatic group can be any conjugated ring system containing 4n+2 pi-electrons. There are many criteria available for determining aromaticity. A widely employed criterion for the quantitative assessment of aromaticity is the resonance energy. Specifically, an aromatic group has a resonance energy. In some embodiments, the resonance energy of the aromatic group is at least 10 KJ/mol. In further embodiments, the resonance energy of the aromatic group is greater than 0.1 KJ/mol. Aromatic groups may be classified as an aromatic heterocyclic group which contains at least a heteroatom in the 4n+2 pi-electron ring, or as an aryl group which does not contain a heteroatom in the 4n+2 pi-electron ring. The aromatic group may comprise a combination of aromatic heterocyclic group and aryl group. Nonetheless, either the aromatic heterocyclic or the aryl group may have at least one heteroatom in a substituent attached to the 4n+2 pi-electron ring. Furthermore, either the aromatic heterocyclic or the aryl group may comprise a monocyclic or polycyclic (such as bicyclic, tricyclic, etc.) ring.

Non-limiting examples of the aromatic heterocyclic group are furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, indolyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, 1,2,3-triazolyl, indazolyl, benzotriazolyl, benzimidazolyl, indazolyl carbazolyl, carbolinyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl benzothiophenyl, dibenzofuranyl, dibenzothiophenyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyridyl, purinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, tetrazinyl, petazinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, perimidinyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, naphthyridinyl, acridinyl, phenanthridinyl, phenanthrolinyl, anthyridinyl, purinyl, pteridinyl, alloxazinyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxazinyl, phenoxathiinyl, dibenzo(1,4)dioxinyl, thianthrenyl, and a combination thereof. The aromatic heterocyclic group may also include any combination of the above aromatic heterocyclic groups bonded together either by a bond (as in bicarbazolyl) or by a linking group (as in 1,6 di(10H-10-phenothiazinyl)hexane). The linking group may include an aliphatic group, an aromatic group, a heterocyclic group, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the linking group may comprise at least one heteroatom such as O, S, Si, and N.

Non-limiting examples of the aryl group are phenyl, naphthyl, benzyl, or tolanyl group, sexiphenylene, phenanthrenyl, anthracenyl, coronenyl, and tolanylphenyl. The aryl group may also include any combination of the above aryl groups bonded together either by a bond (as in biphenyl group) or by a linking group (as in stilbenyl, diphenyl sulfone, an arylamine group). The linking group may include an aliphatic group, an aromatic group, a heterocyclic group, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the linking group may comprise at least one heteroatom such as O, S, Si, and N.

The charge transport compound may or may not be symmetrical. Thus, for example, a linking group X for any given “arm” of the compound may be the same or different from the linking groups in other “arms” of the compound. Similarly, the R₁, R₂, and R₃ groups for any given “arm” of the compound may be the same or different from the R₁, R₂, and R₃ groups in any other arm. In addition, the above-described formula for the charge transport compound is intended to cover isomers.

The organophotoreceptor may be provided in the form of a flexible belt. In one embodiment, the organophotoreceptor includes: (a) a charge transport layer comprising the charge transport compound and a polymeric binder; (b) a charge generating layer comprising the charge generating compound and a polymeric binder; and (c) the electrically conductive substrate. The charge transport layer may be intermediate the charge generating layer and the electrically conductive substrate. Alternatively, the charge generating layer may be intermediate the charge transport layer and the electrically conductive substrate.

The invention also features the charge transport compounds themselves. In one preferred embodiment, a charge transport compound is selected in which n is 2, Y is a bond or a —CH₂— group, X has the formula —CH₂)_(m)— where m is an integer between 2 and 5, inclusive, and R₁ is an ethyl, heptyl, or —(CH₂)₃C₆H₅ group. Specific examples of suitable charge transport compounds have the following formulae:

In one preferred embodiment, a charge transport compound is selected in which n is 2, X is a (CH₂)_(m) group where m is an integer between 2 and 20, and R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are hydrogen. Specific examples of suitable charge transport compound have the following general formula where m is an integer between 2 and 20; more preferably m is an integer between 4 and 10; most preferably m is 5, as in Compound (11).

In a second aspect, the invention features an electrophotographic imaging apparatus that includes (a) a plurality of support rollers, at least one having a diameter no greater than about 40 mm; and (b) the above-described organic photoreceptor in the form of a flexible belt threaded around the support rollers. The apparatus preferably further includes a liquid toner dispenser.

In a third aspect, the invention features an electrophotographic imaging process that includes (a) applying an electrical charge to a surface of the above-described organophotoreceptor; (b) imagewise exposing the surface of the organophotoreceptor to radiation to dissipate charge in selected areas and thereby form a pattern of charged and uncharged areas on the surface; (c) contacting the surface with a liquid toner that includes a dispersion of colorant particles in an organic liquid to create a toned image; and (d) transferring the toned image to a substrate.

In a fourth aspect, the invention features a novel charge transport material having the formula:

where n is an integer between 2 and 6, inclusive;

R₁ is hydrogen, a branched or linear alkyl group (e.g., a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group), a branched or linear unsaturated hydrocarbon group, an ether group, or an aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or naphthyl group);

R₂ is hydrogen, a halogen, hydroxy group, thiol group, an alkoxy group, a branched or linear alkyl group (e.g., a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group), a branched or linear unsaturated hydrocarbon group, an ether group, a cycloalkyl group (e.g. a cyclohexyl group), an aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or naphthyl group), or a —NR₄R₅ group where R₄ and R₅ are, independently, hydrogen, a branched or linear alkyl group, a branched or linear unsaturated hydrocarbon group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, or R₄ and R₅ combine with the nitrogen atom to form a ring;

R₃ is hydrogen, a halogen, hydroxy group, thiol group, an alkoxy group, a branched or linear alkyl group (e.g., a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group), a branched or linear unsaturated hydrocarbon group, an ether group, a cycloalkyl group (e.g. a cyclohexyl group), or an aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or naphthyl group);

X is a linking group having the formula —(CH₂)_(m)—, branched or linear, where m is an integer between 0 and 20, inclusive, and one or more of the methylene groups is optionally replaced by O, S, N, C, B, Si, P, C═O, O═S═O, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic group, an NR_(a) group, a CR_(b) group, a CR_(c)R_(d) group, a SiR_(e)R_(f) group, a BR_(g) group, or a P(═O)R_(h) group, where R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(e), R_(f), R_(g), and R_(h) are, each independently, a bond, H, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, a halogen, an acyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylsulfanyl group, an alkenyl group, such as a vinyl group, an allyl group, and a 2-phenylethenyl group, an alkynyl group, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic group, a part of a ring group, such as cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups, and a benzo group, or an alkyl group where one or more of the hydrogens of the alkyl group is optionally replaced by an aromatic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, or a halogen; and

Y is a bond, carbon atom, nitrogen atom, oxygen atom, sulfur atom, a branched or linear —(CH₂)_(p)— group where p is an integer between 0 and 10, an aryl group, a cycloalkyl group, a cyclosiloxyl group (e.g., a cyclotetrasiloxyl group), a heterocyclic group, or a CR₁₀ group where R₁₀ is hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or aryl group.

Mixed (e.g., at least two Q groups are selected from two different classes selected from the group consisting of julolidine, carbazole, and triarylmethane) may be represented by the following various subgeneric formulae:

Specific subgeneric examples of charge transport compound according to formula (V) have the following general formula (VI) where m is an integer between 2 and 20; more preferably m is an integer between 4 and 10.

Another example of such a mixed charge transport compound has the formula (VII):

where R₁ is hydrogen, a branched or linear alkyl group (e.g., a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group), a branched or linear unsaturated hydrocarbon group, a cycloalkyl group (e.g. a cyclohexyl group), or an aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or naphthyl group);

R₂, R₃, R_(4,) R₅, and R₆ are, independently, hydrogen, a halogen atom, hydroxy group, thiol group, an alkoxy group, a branched or linear alkyl group (e.g., a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group), a branched or linear unsaturated hydrocarbon group, an ether group, nitro group, an amino group, a cycloalkyl group (e.g. a cyclohexyl group), or an aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or naphthyl group); and

X is a linking group having the formula —(CH₂)_(m)—, branched or linear, where m is an integer between 0 and 50, inclusive, and one or more of the methylene (CH₂) groups is optionally replaced by O, S, N, C, B, Si, P, C═O, O═S═O, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic group, an NR_(a) group, a CR_(b) group, a CR_(c)R_(d) group, a SiR_(e)R_(f) group, a BR_(g) group, or a P(═O)R_(h) group, where R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(e), R_(f), R_(g), and R_(h) are, each independently, a bond, H, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, a halogen, an acyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylsulfanyl group, an alkenyl group, such as a vinyl group, an allyl group, and a 2-phenylethenyl group, an alkynyl group, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic group, a part of a ring group, such as cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups, and a benzo group, or an alkyl group where one or more of the hydrogens of the alkyl group is optionally replaced by an aromatic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, or a halogen.

In one specific embodiment of structural Formula VII, a charge transport compound is selected in which X is a —(CH₂)_(m)— group where m is an integer between 2 and 20, R₁ is an alkyl group, and R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are hydrogen. Specific examples of suitable charge transport compound have the following general formula where m is an integer between 2 and 20; more preferably m is an integer between 4 and 10.

and Formula (IX) wherein:

the subgeneric formula below applies:

where R₁ is hydrogen, a branched or linear alkyl group (e.g., a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group), a branched or linear unsaturated hydrocarbon group, a cycloalkyl group (e.g. a cyclohexyl group), or an aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or naphthyl group);

R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ are, independently, hydrogen, a halogen atom, hydroxy group, thiol group, an alkoxy group, a branched or linear alkyl group (e.g., a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group), a branched or linear unsaturated hydrocarbon group, an ether group, nitro group, an amino group, a cycloalkyl group (e.g. a cyclohexyl group), or an aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or naphthyl group); and

X is a linking group having the formula —(CH₂)_(m)—, branched or linear, where m is an integer between 0 and 50, inclusive, and one or more of the methylene (CH₂) groups is optionally replaced by O, S, N, C, B, Si, P, C═O, O═S═O, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic group, an NR_(a) group, a CR_(b) group, a CR_(c)R_(d) group, a SiR_(e)R_(f) group, a BR_(g) group, or a P(═O)R_(h) group, where R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(e), R_(f), R_(g), and R_(h) are, each independently, a bond, H, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, a halogen, an acyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylsulfanyl group, an alkenyl group, such as a vinyl group, an allyl group, and a 2-phenylethenyl group, an alkynyl group, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic group, a part of a ring group, such as cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups, and a benzo group, or an alkyl group where one or more of the hydrogens of the alkyl group is optionally replaced by an aromatic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, or a halogen.

Another generic formula (X) is directed to charge transport compounds having the formula:

wherein R₁ and R₂ are, independently, hydrogen, a halogen atom, hydroxy group, thiol group, an alkoxy group, a branched or linear alkyl group (e.g., a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group), a branched or linear unsaturated hydrocarbon group, an ether group, nitro group, an amino group, a cycloalkyl group (e.g. a cyclohexyl group), or an aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or naphthyl group);

X is a linking group having the formula —(CH₂)_(m)—, branched or linear, where m is an integer between 0 and 50, inclusive, and one or more of the methylene groups is optionally replaced by O, S, N, C, B, Si, P, C═O, O═S═O, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic group, an NR_(a) group, a CR_(b) group, a CR_(c)R_(d) group, a SiR_(e)R_(f) group, a BR_(g) group, or a P(═O)R_(h) group, where R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(e), R_(f), R_(g), and R_(h) are, each independently, a bond, H, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, a halogen, an acyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylsulfanyl group, an alkenyl group, such as a vinyl group, an allyl group, and a 2-phenylethenyl group, an alkynyl group, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic group, a part of a ring group, such as cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups, and a benzo group, or an alkyl group where one or more of the hydrogens of the alkyl group is optionally replaced by an aromatic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, or a halogen; and

Y and Z are, independently, a carbazole group, a triphenylamine group, a julolidine group, or any of their derivatives.

The charge transport compound may have more than two arms such that the linking group X may be linked to more than two hydrazone groups. The charge transport compound may or may not be symmetrical. Thus, for example, a portion of the linking group X attached to any given “arm” of the compound may be the same or different from the remaining portion of the linking groups attached to other “arms” of the compound. Similarly, the R₁ and R₂ groups may be the same or different and the Y and Z groups may be the same or different. In addition, the above-described formula for the charge transport compound is intended to cover isomers.

Another subgeneric formula (XI) for this class of charge transport compound with only triarylmethane Q substituents has the formula:

where n is an integer between 2 and 6, inclusive;

R₁, R₂, and R₃ are, independently, hydrogen, a halogen atom, hydroxy group, thiol group, an alkoxy group, a branched or linear alkyl group (e.g., a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group), a branched or linear unsaturated hydrocarbon group, an ether group, nitro group, an amino group, a cycloalkyl group (e.g. a cyclohexyl group), or an aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or naphthyl group); and

X is a linking group having the formula —(CH₂)_(m)—, branched or linear, where m is an integer between 0 and 50, inclusive, and one or more of the methylene groups is optionally replaced by O, S, N, C, B, Si, P, C═O, O═S═O, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic group, an NR_(a) group, a CR_(b) group, a CR_(c)R_(d) group, a SiR_(e)R_(f) group, a BR_(g) group, or a P(═O)R_(h) group, where R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(e), R_(f), R_(g), and R_(h) are, each independently, a bond, H, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, a halogen, an acyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylsulfanyl group, an alkenyl group, such as a vinyl group, an allyl group, and a 2-phenylethenyl group, an alkynyl group, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic group, a part of a ring group, such as cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups, and a benzo group, or an alkyl group where one or more of the hydrogens of the alkyl group is optionally replaced by an aromatic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, or a halogen. Specific and subgeneric central nucleus examples of this formula (XI) are represented by:

Another aspect of the invention is the formation of charge transport compounds with at least three hydrazone moieties or groups attached to the bridging group. These compounds are represented by the general formula, falling within generic Formula I, of a charge transport compound having the formula:

R₁, R₂, and R₃ are, independently, a branched or linear alkyl group (e.g., a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group), a branched or linear unsaturated hydrocarbon group, a cycloalkyl group (e.g. a cyclohexyl group), a heterocyclic group, or an aryl group (e.g., a phenyl or naphthyl group);

R₄, R₅, and R₆ are, independently, triarylamine (e.g., triphenylamine), diaryl alkylamine, dialkyl arylamine, a carbocyclic ring such as anthraquinone, diphenoquinone, indane, or fluorenone, or a heterocyclic ring such as thiazoline, thiazolidine, phenothiazine, oxazoline, imidazoline, imidazolidine, thiazole, oxazole, isoxazole, oxazolidinone, morpholine, imidazole, benzothiazole, benzotriazole, benzoxazole, benzimidazole, naphthothiazole, naphthoxazole, naphthimidazole, quinoline (e.g., 2-quinoline or 4-quinoline), isoquinoline, quinoxaline, indole, indazole, pyrrole, purine, pyrrolidine, pyridine, piperidine, pyridazine, pyrazoline, pyrimidine, pyrazine, triazole, oxadiazole, tetrazole, urazole, carbazole, julolidine, or thiadiazole ring. These heterocyclic rings may also have substituents such as halogen atoms (e.g., chlorine, bromine and fluorine), alkyls (e.g., methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, t-octyl, octyl, octadecyl, etc.), alkoxys (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy, butoxy, etc.), aryls (e.g., phenyl, tolyl, xylyl, etc.), aryloxys (e.g., phenoxy, methylphenoxy, chlorophenoxy, dimethylphenoxy, etc.), N-substituted aminos (e.g., N-methylamino, N-ethylamino, N-t-butylamino, N-octylamino, N-benzylamino, acetylamino, benzoylamino, etc.), N,N-disubstituted aminos (e.g., N,N-dimethylamino, N,N-diethylamino, N,N-dipropylamino, N,N-di-t-butylamino, N,N-dibenzylamino, N-ethyl-N-benzylamino, etc.), acyls (e.g., acetyl, propionyl, benzoyl, methylbenzoyl, dimethylbenzoyl, chlorobenzoyl, etc.), carbamoyl, sulfamoyl, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, carboxy, sulfonate, oxo, benzo, naptho, indeno, and phosphate; and

X is a linking group having the formula

where m, n, and o is an integer between 0 and 50, inclusive; one or more of the methylene groups is optionally replaced by O, S, N, C, B, Si, P, C═O, O═S═O, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic group, an NR_(a) group, a CR_(b) group, a CR_(c)R_(d) group, a SiR_(e)R_(f) group, a BR_(g) group, or a P(═O)R_(h) group, where R_(a), R_(b), R_(c), R_(d), R_(e), R_(f), R_(g), and Rh are, each independently, a bond, H, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, a halogen, an acyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylsulfanyl group, an alkenyl group, such as a vinyl group, an allyl group, and a 2-phenylethenyl group, an alkynyl group, a heterocyclic group, an aromatic group, a part of a ring group, such as cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups, and a benzo group, or an alkyl group where one or more of the hydrogens of the alkyl group is optionally replaced by an aromatic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, or a halogen.

A photoconductor system exits with a combination of a) and (b) a charge generating compound; and (c) an electrically conductive substrate.

The charge transport compound may have more than three arms such that the linking group X may be linked to more than three hydrazone groups. The charge transport compound may or may not be symmetrical. Thus, for example, a portion of the linking group X attached to any given “arm” of the compound may be the same or different from the remaining portion of the linking groups attached to other “arms” of the compound. Similarly, the R₁, R₂, and R₃ groups may be the same or different and the R₄, R₅, and R₆ groups may be the same or different. In addition, the above-described formula for the charge transport compound is intended to cover isomers.

The organophotoreceptor may be provided in the form of a plate, a disc, a flexible belt, a rigid drum, or a sheet around a rigid or compliant drum. In one embodiment, the organophotoreceptor includes: (a) a charge transport layer comprising the charge transport compound and a polymeric binder; (b) a charge generating layer comprising the charge generating compound and a polymeric binder; and (c) the electrically conductive substrate. The charge transport layer may be intermediate between the charge generating layer and the electrically conductive substrate. Alternatively, the charge generating layer may be intermediate between the charge transport layer and the electrically conductive substrate.

In describing chemicals by structural formulae and group definitions, certain terms are used in a nomenclature format that is chemically acceptable. The terms groups, central nucleus, and moiety have defined meanings. The term group indicates that the generically recited chemical material (e.g., alkyl group, phenyl group, carbazole group, etc.) may have any substituent thereon which is consistent with the bond structure of that group. For example, alkyl group includes alkyl materials such as methyl ethyl, propyl iso-octyl, dodecyl and the like, and also includes such substituted alkyls such as chloromethyl, dibromoethyl, 1,3-dicyanopropyl, 1,3,5-trihydroxyhexyl, 1,3,5-trifluorocyclohexyl, 1-methoxy-dodecyl, and the like. However, as is consistent with such nomenclature, no substitution would be included within the term that would alter the fundamental bond structure of the underlying group. For example, where a pheny ring group or central nucleus of a phenyl group is recited, substitution such as 1-hydroxyphenyl, 2,4-fluorophenyl, orthocyanophenyl, 1,3,5-trimethoxyphenyl and the like would be acceptable within the terminology, while substitution of 1,1,2,2,3,3-hexamethylphenyl would not be acceptable as that substitution would require the ring bond structure of the phenyl group to be altered to a non-aromatic form because of the substitution. Similarly, where the term a “central nucleus of the formula” is used and a structural formula is shown, any substituent may be provided on that formula, as long as the substutution does not alter the underlying bond structure of the formula (e.g., by require a double bond to be converted to a single bond, or opening a ring group, or dropping a described substituent group in the formula). Where the term moiety is used, such as alkyl moiety or phenyl moiety, that terminology indicates that the chemical material is not substituted.

In a second aspect, the invention features an electrophotographic imaging apparatus that includes (a) a plurality of support rollers; and (b) the above-described organophotoreceptor in the form of a flexible belt threaded around the support rollers. The apparatus preferably further includes a liquid toner dispenser.

In a third aspect, the invention features an electrophotographic imaging process that includes (a) applying an electrical charge to a surface of the above-described organophotoreceptor; (b) imagewise exposing the surface of the organophotoreceptor to radiation to dissipate charge in selected areas and thereby form a pattern of charged and uncharged areas on the surface; (c) contacting the surface with a liquid toner that includes a dispersion of colorant particles in an organic liquid to create a toned image; and (d) transferring the toned image to a substrate.

In a fourth aspect, the invention features a novel charge transport material having the formula:

R₁, R₂, and R₃ are, independently, described above;

R₄, R₅, and R₆ are, independently, as described above;

X is a linking group having the formula

where m, n, and o are as described above.

Specific examples of suitable charge transport compounds have the following formulae:

The charge transport compounds according to Formulae (I)-(XIII) may be prepared by a multi-step synthesis using a combination of known synthetic techniques.

The first step is the preparation of one or more of aldehyde derivative of any heterocyclic compound, preferably carbazole, triphenylamine, or julolidine (heterocyclic group, preferably a heterocyclic group selected from the group consisting of julolidine ring groups, carbazole ring groups, and triarylmethane ring groups (examples of other heterocyclic groups being the following non-limiting list of such as thiazoline, thiazolidine, phenothiazine, oxazoline, imidazoline, imidazolidine, thiazole, oxazole, isoxazole, oxazolidinone, morpholine, imidazole, benzothiazole, benzotriazole, benzoxazole, benzimidazole, naphthothiazole, naphthoxazole, naphthimidazole, quinoline (e.g., 2-quinoline or 4-quinoline), isoquinoline, quinoxaline, indole, indazole, pyrrole, purine, pyrrolidine, pyridine, piperidine, pyridazine, pyrazoline, pyrimidine, pyrazine, triazole, oxadiazole, tetrazole, urazole, carbazole, julolidine, or thiadiazole ring) by Vilsmeier reaction between carbazole, triphenylamine, or julolidine correspondingly and phosphorus oxychloride (POCl₃). Carbazole, triphenylamine, or julolidine is dissolved in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and then the solution is cooled. Then POCl₃ (10-15% excess) is added slowly via a dropping funnel to the cooled DMF solution.

The second step is the reaction between phenylhydrazine and one of the aldehyde derivative of carbazole, triphenylamine, or julolidine in a molar ratio of 1:1 to form the corresponding hydrazone derivative by refluxing the reactants in THF for two hours. More than one hydrazone derivative may be prepared if an unsymmetrical charge transport compound is desired.

The last step is the reaction of one of the hydrazone with a dibromoalkane in a molar ratio of 2:1 to form a symmetrical charge transport compound. The hydrazone obtained is dissolved in DMSO. After the addition of 25% aqueous solution of NaOH, a dibromoalkane is added to the solution. This solution is stirred at 70° C. for approximately 1 hour. The product from this reaction is purified by recrystallization. If an unsymmetrical charge transport compound is desired, two or more different hydrazones are used. Each hydrazone will react, one at a time, with a dibromoalkane or an alkane with more than two bromo groups in a molar ratio of 1:1 under condition described above.

Formula 12 may be prepared by the condensation reaction of 4-(diphenylamino)-benzaldehyde with phenyl hydrazine; and then by a nucleophilic substitution reaction of the product of the condensation reaction with a dibromoalkane to form the final dimeric charge transport material. Specifically, Compound 13 may be prepared according to the above synthesis wherein the dibromoalkane is 1,5-dibromopentane.

The invention provides novel charge transport materials for organophotoreceptors featuring a combination of good mechanical and electrostatic properties. These photoreceptors can be used successfully with liquid toners to produce high quality images. The high quality of the images is maintained after repeated cycling.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments thereof, and from the claims.

The invention features organophotoreceptors that include charge transport compounds having the formulae set forth in the Summary of the Invention above. The charge transport compounds according to Formula (1) may be prepared by a multi-step synthesis using a combination of known synthetic techniques. For example, the general synthetic method for synthesis of Compounds 5-7 was according to a 4-step synthetic procedure. The first step is N-alkylatation of carbazole to introduce an alkyl group to the carbazole nitrogen. The second step is the formation of a —CHO group on the carbazole ring by Vilsmeier reaction. The third step is the formation of hydrazone by the reaction of the product from step 2 with a hydrazine. The last step is a nucleophilic substitution reaction to form a bridging group between two or more hydrazone moieties. Compounds 2-4 were prepared according to the above procedure except the first and second steps were skipped because the starting materials for step three are commercially available.

The organophotoreceptor may be in the form of a plate, drum, or belt, with flexible belts being preferred. The organophotoreceptor may include an electrically conductive substrate and a photoconductive element in the form of a single layer that includes both the charge transport compound and charge generating compound in a polymeric binder. Preferably, however, the organophotoreceptor includes an electrically conductive substrate and a photoconductive element that is a bilayer construction featuring a charge generating layer and a separate charge transport layer. The charge generating layer may be located intermediate the electrically conductive substrate and the charge transport layer. Alternatively, the photoconductive element may be an inverted construction in which the charge transport layer is intermediate the electrically conductive substrate and the charge generating layer.

The electrically conductive substrate may be flexible, for example in the form of a flexible web or a belt, or inflexible, for example in the form of a drum. Typically, a flexible electrically conductive substrate comprises of an insulated substrate and a thin layer of electrically conductive materials. The insulated substrate may be paper or a film forming polymer such as polyethylene terepthalate, polyimide, polysulfone, polyethylene naphthalate, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, polycarbonate, polyvinyl fluoride, polystyrene and the like. Specific examples of supporting substrates included polyethersulfone (Stabar S-100, available from ICI), polyvinyl fluoride (Tedlar, available from E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Company), polybisphenol-A polycarbonate (Makrofol, available from Mobay Chemical Company) and amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (Melinar, available from ICI Americas, Inc.). The electrically conductive materials may be graphite, dispersed carbon black, iodide, conductive polymers such as polypyroles and Calgon Conductive polymer 261 (commercially available from Calgon Corporation, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa.), metals such as aluminum, titanium, chromium, brass, gold, copper, palladium, nickel, or stainless steel, or metal oxide such as tin oxide or indium oxide. Preferably, the electrically conductive material is aluminum. Typically, the photoconductor substrate will have a thickness adequate to provide the required mechanical stability. For example, flexible web substrates generally have a thickness from about 0.01 to about 1 mm, while drum substrates generally have a thickness of from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. Typical structures for polycarbonates include:

The charge generating compound is a material which is capable of absorbing light to generate charge carriers, such as a dyestuff or pigment. Examples of suitable charge generating compounds include metal-free phthalocyanines (e.g., Progen 1 x-form metal-free phthalocyanine from Zeneca, Inc.), metal phthalocyanines such as titanium phthalocyanine, copper phthalocyanine, oxytitanium phthalocyanine, hydroxygallium phthalocyanine, squarylium dyes and pigments, hydroxy-substituted squarylium pigments, perylimides, polynuclear quinones available from Allied Chemical Corporation under the tradename Indofast Double Scarlet, Indofast Violet Lake B, Indofast Brilliant Scarlet and Indofast Orange, quinacridones available from DuPont under the tradename Monastral Red, Monastral Violet and Monastral Red Y, naphthalene 1,4,5,8-tetracarboxylic acid derived pigments including the perinones, tetrabenzoporphyrins and tetranaphthaloporphyrins, indigo- and thioindigo dyes, benzothioxanthene-derivatives, perylene 3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic acid derived pigments, polyazo-pigments including bisazo-, trisazo- and tetrakisazo-pigments, polymethine dyes, dyes containing quinazoline groups, tertiary amines, amorphous selenium, selenium alloys such as selenium-tellurium, selenium-tellurium-arsenic and selenium-arsenic, cadmium sulphoselenide, cadmiumselenide, cadmium sulphide, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the charge generating compound is oxytitanium phthalocyanine, hydroxygallium phthalocyanine or a combination thereof.

Preferably, the charge generation layer comprises a binder in an amount of from about 10 to about 90 weight percent and more preferably in an amount of from about 20 to about 75 weight percent, based on the weight of the charge generation layer.

The binder is capable of dispersing or dissolving the charge transport compound (in the case of the charge transport layer) and the charge generating compound (in the case of the charge generating layer). Examples of suitable binders for both the charge generating layer and charge transport layer include polystyrene-co-butadiene, modified acrylic polymers, polyvinyl acetate, styrene-alkyd resins, soya-alkyl resins, polyvinylchloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylonitrile, polycarbonates, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, styrene polymers, polyvinyl butyral, alkyd resins, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyesters, polysulfones, polyethers, polyketones, phenoxy resins, epoxy resins, silicone resins, polysiloxanes, poly(hydroxyether) resins, polyhydroxystyrene resins, novolak, poly(phenylglycidyl ether)-co-dicyclopentadiene, copolymers of monomers used in the above-mentioned polymers, and combinations thereof. Polycarbonate binders are particularly preferred. Examples of suitable polycarbonate binders include polycarbonate A which is derived from bisphenol-A, polycarbonate Z, which is derived from cyclohexylidene bisphenol, polycarbonate C, which is derived from methylbisphenol A, and polyestercarbonates.

The photoreceptor may include additional layers as well. Such layers are well-known and include, for example, barrier layers, release layers, adhesive layer, and sub-layer. The release layer forms the uppermost layer of the photoconductor element with the barrier layer sandwiched between the release layer and the photoconductive element. The adhesive layer locates and improves the adhesion between the barrier layer and the release layer. The sub-layer is a charge blocking layer and locates between the electrically conductive substrate and the photoconductive element. The sub-layer may also improve the adhesion between the electrically conductive substrate and the photoconductive element.

Suitable barrier layers include coatings such as crosslinkable siloxanol-colloidal silica coating and hydroxylated silsesquioxane-colloidal silica coating, and organic binders such as polyvinyl alcohol, methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymer, casein, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid, gelatin, starch, polyurethanes, polyimides, polyesters, polyamides, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polycarbonates, polyninyl butyral, polyvinyl acetoacetal, polyvinyl formal, polyacrylonitrile, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylates, polyvinyl carbazoles, copolymers of monomers used in the above-mentioned polymers, vinyl chloride/vinyl acetate/vinyl alcohol terpolymers, vinyl chloride/vinyl acetate/maleic acid terpolymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl chloride/vinylidene chloride copolymers, cellulose polymers, and mixtures thereof. The above organic binders optionally may contain small inorganic particles such as fumed silica, silica, titania, alumina, zirconia, or a combination thereof. The typical particle size is in the range of 0.001 to 0.5 micrometers, preferably 0.005 micrometers. A preferred barrier layer is a 1:1 mixture of methyl cellulose and methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymer with glyoxal as a crosslinker.

The release layer topcoat may comprise any release layer composition known in the art. Preferably, the release layer is a fluorinated polymer, siloxane polymer, fluorosilicone polymer, silane, polyethylene, polypropylene, or a combination thereof. More preferably, the release layers is crosslinked silicone polymers.

Typical adhesive layers include film forming polymers such as polyester, polyvinylbutyral, polyvinylpyrolidone, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate, poly(hydroxy amino ether) and the like. Preferably, the adhesive layer is poly(hydroxy amino ether). If such layers are utilized, they preferably have a dry thickness between about 0.01 micrometer and about 5 micrometers.

Typical sub-layers include polyvinylbutyral, organosilanes, hydrolyzable silanes, epoxy resins, polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, silicones and the like. Preferably, the sub-layer has a dry thickness between about 20 Angstroms and about 2,000 Angstroms.

The charge transport compounds, and photoreceptors including these compounds, are suitable for use in an imaging process with either dry or liquid toner development. Liquid toner development is generally preferred because it offers the advantages of providing higher resolution images and requiring lower energy for image fixing compared to dry toners. Examples of useful liquid toners are well-known. They typically include a colorant, a resin binder, a charge director, and a carrier liquid. A preferred resin to pigment ratio is 2:1 to 10:1, more preferably 4:1 to 8:1. Typically, the colorant, resin, and the charge director form the toner particles.

The invention will now be described further by way of the following examples.

EXAMPLES

A. Synthesis

Charge transport compounds were synthesized as follows. The number associated with each compound refers to the number of the chemical formula set forth in the Summary of the Invention above.

Compound (2)

To a 2-liter 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with mechanical stirrer and reflux condenser and heating mantle were added 9-ethyl-3-carbazolecarboxyaldehyde (1 mole, 223.28 g, obtained commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company) and tetrahydrofuran (600 ml). Heating was applied to ensure that all solid entered into solution. Phenyl hydrazine (119 g, 1.1 mole, obtained commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company) was added and the mixture was refluxed for 2 hours. When TLC showed the total disappearance of the starting material and the formation of the product, the flask was allowed to cool to room temperature and the solvent was evaporated. The solid was filtered of, washed with 20 ml of ethanol and dried. A yellow solid was obtained (263 g, 80% yield).

To a 250 ml 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with thermometer and mechanical stirrer were added the yellow solid (0.1 mole, 33.14 g) prepared above and DMSO (50 ml). After the solid was dissolved, 1,10-Dibromodecane (15 g, 0.05 mole, obtained commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company) was added. An aqueous solution of 50% NaOH (20 g) was added and heated to 85° C. for 2 hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and then added to 2 L of water. A light yellow solid was precipitated out, filtered, washed with water, and dried. The yield was 49 g (61%); m.p.=119° C. The ¹H-NMR spectrum of the solid shows peaks at 1.26-1.52 ppm (m; 16H); 1.62-1.84 ppm (m; 4H); 3.82-4.01 ppm (t; 4H); 4.25-4.47 ppm (q , 6H); 6.85-6.96 ppm (t; 2H); 7.09-7.25 ppm (m; 2H); 7.29-7.54 ppm (m; 12H); 7.70-7.79 ppm (s; 2H); 7.86-7.98 ppm (dd; 2H); 8.08-8.19 ppm (d; 2H); 8.28-8.38 ppm (d; 2H). The H-NMR spectrum is in full agreement with the structure of Compound (2).

Compound (3)

Compound (3) was prepared according to the procedure of compound (2) except that 1,10-Dibromodecane (0.05 mole) was replaced with 1,5-Dibromodecane (0.05 mole, obtained commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company). The yield was 65%; m.p.=203° C. The ¹H-NMR spectrum of the solid shows peaks at 1.35-1.49 ppm (t; 6H); 1.60-1.75 ppm (m; 2H);1.77-1.97 ppm (m; 4H); 3.93-4.10 ppm (t; 4H); 4.28-4.44 ppm (q; 4H); 6.86-6.98 ppm (t; 2H); 7.28-7.53 ppm ( m; 14H); 7.73-7.82 ppm (s; 2H); 7.88-7.99 ppm (dd; 2H); 8.06-8.17 ppm (d; 2H); 8.28-8.39 ppm (d, 2H). The ¹H-NMR spectrum is in full agreement with the structure of Compound (3).

Compound (4)

Compound (4) was prepared according to the procedure of compound (2) except that 1,10-Dibromodecane (0.05 mole) was replaced with 1,4-Dibromodecane (0.05 mole, obtained commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company). The yield was 70%; m.p.=207° C. The ¹H-NMR spectrum of the solid shows peaks at 1.33-1.50 ppm (t; 6H); 1.80-2.06 ppm (m; 4H); 3.92-4.16 ppm (m; 4H ); 4.21-4.51 ppm (q=4H); 6.87-7.03 ppm (t=2H); 7.10-7.24 ppm (m; 2H); 7.27-7.60 ppm (m; 14H); 7.72-7.82 ppm (s; 2H); 7.87-7.98 ppm (dd; 2H); 8.04-8.19 ppm (d; 2H); 8.27-8.39 ppm (s; 2H). The ¹H-NMR spectrum is in full agreement with the structure of Compound (4).

Compound (5)

To a 3-liter 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with a reflux condenser and a mechanical stirrer were added carbazole (177.78 g, 1.063 mole, obtained commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company), 1-bromoheptane (200 g, 1.117 mole, obtained commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company), and toluene (800 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then the mixture was refluxed for 5 hours after 50% NaOH aqueous solution (400 g) was added. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and an organic phase appeared. The organic phase was separated, washed with water, dried over Mg₂SO₄, filtered, and evaporated to remove all solvent. An oil was obtained. The yield was 78% (220 g). A ¹H-NMR spectrum was recorded and it was in agreement with the structure of N-heptylcarbazole.

To a 1-liter 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with a mechanical stirrer, a dropping funnel, and a thermometer were added N-heptylcarbazole (282 g, 1.062 mole, prepared in the previous step) and DMF (500 ml). The flask was placed on ice bath until temperature inside is 5° C., then POCl₃ (109 g, 1.17 mole) was added dropwise via the dropping funnel. During the addition the temperature was not allowed to rise above 5° C. After the addition was completed, the flask was placed in a boiling water bath for 2 hours. Then the solution in the flask was cooled to room temperature and added to a large volume of water (3 liter). The solid was filtered off, washed repeatedly with water, and dried. The yield was 75%. A ¹H-NMR spectrum was recorded and it was in agreement with 9-heptylcarbazole-3-carboxyaldehyde.

To a 2-liter 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with mechanical stirrer and reflux condenser and heating mantle were added 9-heptylcarbazole-3-carboxyaldehyde (1 mole, 293.45 g) and 600 ml of tetrahydrofuran. Heating was applied to ensure that all solid entered into solution. Phenyl hydrazine (119 g, 1.1 mole, obtained commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company) was added and the mixture was refluxed for 2 hours. When TLC showed the total disappearance of the starting material and the formation of the product, the flask was allowed to cool to room temperature and the solvent was evaporated. The solid was filtered off, washed with 20 ml of ethanol and dried. A yellow solid was obtained (249 g, 83% yield).

To a 250 ml 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with thermometer and mechanical stirrer were added the yellow solid (0.1 mole, 38.36 g) prepared above and 50 ml of DMSO. After the solid was dissolved, 1,10-Dibromodecane (15 g, 0.05 mole) was added. An aqueous solution of 50% NaOH (20 g) was added and heated to 85° C. for 2 hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and then added to 2 L of water. A light yellow solid was precipitated out, filtered, washed with water, and dried. The yield was 25 g (55%); m.p.=116° C. The ¹H-NMR spectrum of the solid shows peaks at 0.70-0.96 ppm (t; 6H); 1.01-1.62 ppm (m; 28H); 1.64-2.00 ppm (m; 8H); 3.80-4.06 ppm (t; 4H); 4.18-4.42 ppm (t; 4H); 6.77-7.00 ppm (t; 2H); 7.12-7.29 ppm (m; 4H); 7.28-7.58 ppm (m; 12H); 7.67-7.81 ppm (s; 2H); 7.85-8.01 ppm (dd; 2H); 8.07-8.22 ppm (d; 2H); 8.26-8.43 ppm (s; 2H). The ¹H-NMR spectrum is in full agreement with the structure of Compound (5).

Compound (6)

Compound (6) was prepared according to the procedure of compound (5) except that 1,10-Dibromodecane was replaced with 1,5-Dibromodecane. The yield was 45%, m.p.=120° C. The ¹H-NMR spectrum of the solid shows peaks at 0.69-0.95 ppm (t; 6H); 1.05-1.49 ppm (m; 20H); 1.75-1.98 ppm (m; 6H); 3.84-4.12 ppm (t; 4H); 4.16-4.40 ppm (t; 4H); 6.86-7.00 ppm (t; 2H); 7.15-7.29 ppm (m; 4H); 7.37-7.51 ppm (m; 12H); 7.71-7.83 ppm (s; 2H); 7.88-8.00 ppm (dd; 2H); 8.06-8.19 ppm (d; 2H); 8.26-8.40 ppm (s, 2H). The ¹H-NMR spectrum is in full agreement with the structure of Compound (6).

Compound (7)

Compound (7) was prepared according to the procedure of compound (5) except that 1-bromoheptane was replaced with 1-bromo-3-propylbenzene. The yield was 60%, m.p.=184° C. The ¹H-NMR spectrum is in full agreement with the structure of Compound (7).

B. ¹H NMR Measurements

The ¹H-NMR spectra were obtained by a 300 MHz Bruker NMR spectrometer (obtained commercially from Bruker Instruments Inc., Billerica, Mass.) using CDCl₃ solvent with 0.03% v/v tetramethylsialine (obtained commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company) as the internal reference. The following abbreviations were used: s=singlet; d=doublet; dd=double doublet; m=multiplet; q=quartet; and t=triplet.

C. Thermal Transitions

Thermal transition data for various charge transport materials was collected using a TA Instruments Model 2929 Differential Scanning Calorimeter (New Castle, Del.) equipped with a DSC refrigerated cooling system (−70° C. minimum temperature limit), and dry helium and nitrogen exchange gases. The calorimeter ran on a Thermal Analyst 2100 workstation with version 8.10B software. An empty aluminum pan was used as the reference.

Samples were tested both neat and as a mixture with Polycarbonate Z (“PCZ”). The neat samples were prepared by placing 4.0 to 8.0 mg of neat charge transport material into an aluminum sample pan and crimping the upper lid to produce a hermetically sealed sample for DSC testing. The results were normalized on a per mass basis.

The Polycarbonate Z-mixed samples were prepared by filling the bottom portion of the aluminum sample pan to capacity with a 15-20% solids solution of the charge transport material in Polycarbonate Z, followed by air-drying overnight. Each air-dried sample was then placed in a convection oven at 50-55° C. for another 24-48 hours to eliminate trace solvent, after which the upper sample lid was crimped on to produce a hermetically sealed sample for DSC testing. Typical sample size was 7.0 to 15.0 mg. Again, the results were normalized on a per mass basis.

Each sample was subjected to the following protocol to evaluate its thermal transition behavior:

-   1. Equilibrate at 0° C. (Default--Nitrogen Heat Exchange Gas); -   2. Isothermal for 5 min.; -   3. External Event: Nitrogen Heat Exchange Gas; -   4. Ramp 10.0° C./min. to a temperature 30° C. above the melting     point of the charge transport material; -   5. External Event: Helium Heat Exchange Gas; -   6. Isothermal for 5 min.; -   7. Ramp 10.0° C./min. to 0° C.; -   8. External Event: Nitrogen Heat Exchange Gas; -   9. Isothermal for 5 min.; -   10. Ramp 10.0° C./min. to a temperature 40° C. above the melting     point of the charge transport material; -   11. External Event: Helium Heat Exchange Gas; -   12. Isothermal for 5 min.; -   13. Ramp 10.0° C./min. to 0° C.; -   14. External Event: Nitrogen Heat Exchange Gas; -   15. Isothermal for 5 min.; -   16. Ramp 10.0° C./min. to 275° C.

The first cycle (steps 1-7) was used to (a) remove the thermal history of the sample, (b)

obtain the melting transition for crystalline charge transport materials, and (c) obtain a homogeneous charge transport material/Polycarbonate Z mixture in the event the charge transport material crystallized during sample preparation. A homogeneous mixture is obtained only if the charge transport material (melt or cast) is miscible with the Polycarbonate-Z.

The second cycle (steps 8-13) was used to identify the glass transition temperature and charge transport material recrystallization or melting transitions.

The third cycle (steps 14-16) was used to report the final thermal transitions.

The results are shown below in Table 1. All temperatures are reported in ° C. “CTM” refers to the charge transport compound. “PCZ” refers to Polycarbonate Z binder. TABLE 1 Tg without Tg with 50% Compund M.p (° C.) binder (° C.) PCZ (° C.) 2 119 46 83.7 3 203 84.4 102.5 4 207 79.1 NA 5 116 29.3 56.9 6 120 44.5 78.3 7 184 57.4 NA

As expected, an increase in the aliphatic chain length of R₁ (in Formula 1) from ethyl to heptyl lowers the Tg (Compare Compound (2) with Compound (5)). Also, an increase in the chain length of the X-Y linkage (in Formula 1) from pentyl to decyl also lowers the Tg (Compare Compounds (2) with (3)). In the presence of Polycarbonate Z binder, the Tg of Compounds (4) and (7) could not be measured due to phase separation.

D. Organophotoreceptor Preparation Methods

(i) Die Coating

A charge transport solution containing 50 wt. % of a selected charge transport compound in Polycarbonate Z binder (obtained commercially from Mitsubishi Gas Chemical under the designation “LUPILON™ Z-200” resin) was prepared by combining a solution of either 10.0 g or 15.0 g, depending upon solubility, of the charge transport compound in 120.0 g of tetrahydrofuran with 15.0 g of Polycarbonate Z and 0.03 g of Dow Coming 510 Fluid. The charge transport solution was then die coated onto 3 mil (76 micrometer) thick polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film (MELINEX™ 442 polyester film from Dupont) having a 1 ohm/square aluminum vapor coat and an additional 0.25 micrometer thick PET sub-layer overlaying the aluminum vapor coat. The purpose of including the PET sub-layer was to improve adhesion and prevent charge injection into the charge transport layer. The dried charge transport layer had a nominal thickness of 8.75 micrometers. Die coating (also known as slot coating) techniques are described by E. Cohen and E. Gutoff, Modern Coating and Drying Technology, VCH Publishers, Inc. New York, 1992, pp. 117-120.

A dispersion was prepared by micronising 32.6 g of oxytitanium phthalocyanine pigment (obtained commercially from H. W. Sands Corp., Jupiter, Fla.), 32.6 g of S-LEC™ B Bx-5 polyvinyl butyral resin (obtained commercially from Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd.), and 684.4 g of 2/1 (v/v) methyl ethyl ketone/toluene using a horizontal sand mill operating in recirculation mode for 8 hours. This stock solution was diluted to 3.5 wt. % solids by adding 1113 g of 2:1 (v/v) methyl ethyl ketone/toluene prior to coating. The resulting dispersion was die coated onto the charge transport layer and dried to form a charge generating layer having a nominal thickness of 0.27 micrometer. This dual layer organic photoconductor was then overcoated with a barrier layer.

Two different barrier layer solutions were used. The first (“Barrier A”) was prepared by mixing 86.3 g of 3% METHOCEL A15L V in water, 86.3 g of 3% GANTREZ™ AN-169 polymer (obtained commercially from ISP Technologies) in water, 172.44 g of methanol, 0.65 g of 40% glyoxal 40 in water, and 0.07 g TRITON™ X-100 surfactant. The other barrier layer solution (“Barrier B”) was prepared by combining 217.6 g of 6% S-LEC™ Bx-5 polyvinyl butyral resin, 1385.7 g isopropyl alcohol, 33.5 g NALCO™ 1057 colloidal silica, 33.1% Z-6040 silane (Dow Coming 50/50 in isopropyl alcohol/water), and 130.17 g GANTREZ™ AN-169 polymer following the procedure described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,698.

The barrier layer solution was die coated onto the dual layer organic photoconductor and dried to form a layer having a nominal thickness of 0.4 micrometer.

ii. Lamination

Inverted dual layer organophotoreceptors were prepared incorporating compounds 2-7 as charge transport material. A charge transport solution containing 50 wt. % of a selected charge transport compound in Polycarbonate Z binder was prepared by combining a solution of 1.25 g of the charge transport compound in 8.0 g of tetrahydrofuran with 1.25 g of Polycarbonate Z in 2.50 g of toluene. The charge transport solution was then hand-coated with a Maier rod (# 36) onto a 3 mil (76 micrometer) thick aluminized polyethylene terephthalate film (MELINEX™ 442 polyester film from Dupont having a 1 ohm/square aluminum vapor coat) having a 0.3 micron polyester resin sub-layer (VITEL PE-2200 from Bostik, Middletown, Mass.) and dried to form a charge transport layer having a thickness of 9 micrometers.

A dispersion was prepared by micronising 1.35 g of oxytitanium phthalocyanine pigment (H. W. Sands Corp., Jupiter, Fla.), 1.35 g of S-LEC™ B Bx-5 polyvinylbutryal resin (Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd.), 26 g of methyl ethyl ketone, and 13 g of toluene using a horizontal sand mill operating in recirculation mode for 8 hours. The resulting dispersion was then die coated onto unsubbed 2 mil (51 micrometer) thick polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film and dried at 80° C. for 10 minutes to form a charge generating layer having a thickness of 0.27 micrometer on the PET film.

The charge transport layer and the charge generating layer were laminated together at 140° C. using a Model 447 Matchprint TM Laminator (obtained commercially from Imation Corp., Oakdale, Minn.). After lamination, the 2 mil (51 micrometer) PET film was peeled off the surface of the charge generation layer to form the inverted dual layer organophotoreceptor.

E. Solubility Testing

Solubility testing of each individual charge transport compound was performed at room temperature using tetrahydrofuran as the solvent. Solubility results were reported as the percent solids of saturated solution. In general, it is desirable to maximize the solubility value.

F. Electrostatic Testing

Electrostatic testing was performed on a number of inverted dual layer organophotoreceptor samples. The samples were prepared either by lamination or by die coating.

Electrostatic testing of compounds 2-7 was performed and recorded on a QEA PDT-2000 instrument at ambient temperature. Charge-up was performed at 8 kV. Discharge was performed by exposing the photoreceptor to a 780 nm-filtered tungsten light source down a fiber optic cable. Each sample was exposed to 2 microjoules/cm² of energy for 0.05 seconds; the total exposure intensity was 20 microwatts/cm². After charge-up, the acceptance voltage (V_(acc)) was measured in volts. This value was recorded as V_(acc) after one cycle. Following this initial charge-up, a one second dark decay followed before the sample was discharged with the 0.05 second light pulse of 2 microjules/cm² at 780 nm, after which the residual voltage (V_(res)) was measured in volts. This value was recorded as V_(res) after one cycle. V_(acc) and V_(res) were also measured after a total of 1000 cycles. In general, it is desirable to maximize V_(acc) and to minimize V_(res). TABLE 2 Compound V_(acc) (V) Dark Decay (V) Discharge (V) V_(res) (V) 2 575 64 398 58 3 512 109 393 50 5 596 38 89 468 6 560 151 322 91

The data in Table 2 indicate that these charge transport materials are suitable for making photoreceptors.

Examples 8-10

Compound (8)

To a 5-liter 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with a reflux condenser, mechanical stirrer and heating mantle were added carbazole (579.62 g, 3.47 mole, obtained from Aldrich Chemical Company, Milwaukee, Wis.), 1-bromo butane (500 g, 3.65 mole, obtained from Aldrich Chemical Company, Milwaukee, Wis.), benzyltriethylammonium chloride (39.48 g, 0.17 mole, obtained from Aldrich Chemical Company, Milwaukee, Wis.), and toluene (3 liter). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then 50% NaOH aqueous solution (1300 g) was added and the mixture was refluxed for five hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and the organic phase was separated, washed with water and dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and evaporated to remove all solvent. A liquid product was obtained. The yield was 644 g (83%). The ¹H-NMR spectrum of the product in this step in CDCl₃ was in agreement with the structure of N-butylcarbazole.

To a 3-liter, 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with a mechanical stirrer, dropping funnel, and a thermometer were added N-butylcarbazole (644 g, 2.88 mole, prepared in the previous step) and DMF (1300 ml). The flask was placed in ice bath until the temperature inside the flask is 5° C., then POCl₃ (498 g, 3.25 mole, obtained from Aldrich Chemical Company) was added dropwise via the dropping funnel. During the addition, the temperature was not allowed to rise above 5° C. The solution in the flask was cooled to room temperature and added to large volume of water (3 Liter). The solid was filtered of, washed repeatedly with water and dried. The yield was 668 g (92%). The ¹H-NMR spectrum of the product in this step in CDCl₃ was in full agreement with the structure of 9-butylcarbazole-3-carboxaldyde.

To a 2-liter 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with mechanical stirrer and reflux condenser and heating mantle were added 9-butylcarbazole (668 g, 2.66 mole, obtained from the previous step) and 500 ml of toluene, phenyl hydrazine (316.4 g, 2.93 mole, obtained from Aldrich Chemical Company). The mixture was refluxed for 2 hours. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) showed the total disappearance of the starting material and the formation of the product. The flask was cooled to room temperature and the solid was collected, washed with 100 ml of ethanol and dried. The yield was 773 g (85%). The ¹H-NMR spectrum of the product in this step in CDCl₃ was in agreement with the expected product.

To a 250 ml 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with thermometer and mechanical stirrer were added the product from the previous step (34.15 g, 0.1 mole) and 50 ml of DMSO. After the solid was dissolved, 1,5-dibromoheptane (11.5 g, 0.05 mole, obtained from Aldrich Chemicals Company) was added. An aqueous solution of 50% NaOH (20 g) was added and the mixture was heated to 85° C. for two hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and then added to 2 L of water. A gummy solid was formed which solidified upon standing at room temperature, which was washed repeatedly with water and dried. A crude product (20 g) was obtained. The product was recrystallized 4 times from ethyl acetate with activated charcoal and silica. A light yellow solid was obtained which was dried in vacuum oven (80° C.) for six hours. The melting point was found to be 182-183° C. The ¹H- NMR of the final product in CDCl₃ shows peaks at 0.78-1.07 ppm (t; 6H); 1.31-1.49 ppm (m; 4H); 1.48-1.59 ppm (m, 2H); 1.59-1.74 ppm (m; 2H); 1.75-1.99 ppm (m , 6H); 3.91-4.08 ppm ( t; 4H); 4.22-4.37 ppm (t; 4H); 6.79-7.03 ppm (t, 2H); 7.14-7.29 ppm (t; 2H); 7.29-7.54 ppm (m; 14H); 7.71-7.85 ppm (s, 2H); 7.87-8.02 ppm (dd; 2H); 8.05-8.21 ppm (d; 2H); 8.25-8.43 ppm (d; 2H). This ¹H-NMR spectrum is in agreement with the structure of compound (8).

Compound (9)

Compound (9) was prepared according to the procedure of compound (8) except that 1,5-dibromoheptane (0.05 mole) was replaced with 1, 6-dibromohexane (0.05 mole, obtained from Aldrich Chemical Company). The melting point was found to be 186-187° C. The ¹H-NMR spectrum of the final product in CDCl₃ shows peaks at 0.84-1.05 ppm (t; 6H); 1.32-1.48 ppm (m; 4H); 1.48-1.69 ppm (m; 4H); 1.73-1.99 ppm (m; 8H); 3.90-4.08 ppm (t; 4H); 4.21-4.40 ppm (t; 4H); 6.84-6.97 ppm (t; 2H); 7.15-7.25 ppm (t; 2H); 7.29-7.56 ppm (m; 14H); 7.71-7.84 ppm (s; 2H); 7.84-7.99 ppm (dd; 2H); 8.06-8.22 ppm (d; 2H); 8.26-8.43 ppm (d; 2H). The ¹H-NMR spectrum is in full agreement with structure (9).

Compound (10)

Compound (10) was prepared according to the procedure of compound (8) except that 1,5-dibromoheptane (0.05 mole) was replaced by 1,8-dibromooctane (0.05 mole, obtained from Aldrich Chemical Company). The ¹H-NMR spectrum of the final product in CDCl₃ shows peaks at 0.80-1.09 ppm (t; 6H); 1.19-1.98 ppm (m; 20 H); 3.85-4.07 ppm (t; 4H); 4.17-4.40 ppm (t; 4H); 6.83-6.97 ppm (t; 2H); 7.13-7.56 ppm (m; 16 H); 7.69-7.83 ppm (s; 2H); 7.85-7.99 ppm (dd; 2H); 8.05-8.20 ppm (d; 2H); 8.25-8.41 ppm (d; 2H). The ¹H-NMR spectrum is in agreement with the structure of compound (10).

Examples 16-17

Compound (16)

A suspension of 4,4′-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone (20 g, 0.069 mol, obtained from Aldrich) in hydrazine hydrate (158 ml, obtained from Aldrich) was refluxed for 24 hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and crystals precipitated out. The crystals were filtered off and washed 3 times with water and one time with isopropanol. The yield of the product, bis(4-hydrazinophenyl)sulfone, was 15.75 g (81.8%). The product had a melting point of 193-194° C. The preparation of bis(4-hydrazinophenyl)sulfone was described in Connell et al., J. Polym. Sci., A: Polym. Chem,. Vol. 25, p. 2531-2542, 1987, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Condensation of Bis(4-hydrazinophenyl)sulfone with 4-Diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde. A solution of bis(4-hydrazinophenyl)sulfone (2.32 g, 0.012 mol, from Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.) in tetrahydrofuran (THF, 20 ml) was added dropwise to a solution of 4-diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (20 ml, from Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.) in THF by stirring. The reaction mixture was stirred at 40° C. until all bis(4-hydrazinophenyl)sulfone reacted completely as indicated by thin layer chromatography. After the reaction mixture was cooled down to room temperature, the solvent was evaporated in vacuum. The crude dihydrazone product was used directly in the next reaction without further purification due to their instability.

Alkylation of the Dihydrazone Product. A mixture of 1-iodoethane (2.97 g, 0.0186 mol, from Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.) and tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulphate (0.063 g, 0.00018 mol, from Fluke), a phase transfer catalyst, was added to the crude dihydrazone product (2 g, 0.0031 mol) in 50 ml of tetrahydrofuran. While the reaction mixture was being refluxed, powdered potassium hydroxide (0.52 g, 0.00465 mol, from Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.) was added stepwise. After the reaction was completed as indicated by thin layer chromatography, the inorganic salts were filtered off and the solvent was evaporated. The crude Compound (16) was purified by column chromatography with an eluant mixture of ethylacetate/hexane in a volume ratio of 1:2. The yield of Compound (16) was 25%. The infrared absorption spectrum of Compound (16) was characterized by the following absorption wavenumbers (KBr window, cm⁻¹): 3434 (ar. N—C), 3050 (ar. C—H), 2928 (alk. C—H), 2856 (alk. N—C), 1586 (ar. C—C), 1497 (alk.C—C), 1099 (R—SO₂—R). The ¹H NMR spectrum (250 MHz) of Compound (16) in CDCl₃ was characterized by the following chemical shifts (δ, ppm): 1.11-1.51 (m, 24H, CH₃), 3.22-3.55 (m, 8H, alk), 3.85-4.25 (m, 8H, alk), 6.1-6.48 (m, 4H, ar), 7.25 (d, 2H, ar), 7.35 (s, 2H, ar), 7.75 (d, 4H, ar +CH=N), 7.84 (d, 2H, ar), 8.03 (s, 2H, ar). MS (45 eV), m/z=741(M+), 305, 220,148.

Compound (17)

Compound (17) was prepared similarly according to the procedure for Compound (16) except that 1-iodoethane was replaced with 1-iodohexane (3.94 g, 0.0186 mol, from Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.). The yield of Compound (17) was 32%. The infrared absorption spectrum of Compound (17) was characterized by the following absorption wavenumbers (KBr window, cm⁻¹): 3434 (ar. N—C), 3050 (ar. C—H), 2928 (alk. C—H), 2856 (alk. N—C), 1586 (ar. C—C), 1497 (alk.C—C ), 1099 (R—SO₂-R). The ¹H NMR spectrum (250 MHz) of Compound (17) in CDCl₃ was characterized by the following chemical shifts (6, ppm):0.79-1.08 (m, 24H, CH₃), 1.08-2.0 (m, 32H, alk), 3.20-3.60 (m, 8H, alk), 3.75-4.1(m, 8H, alk), 6.1-6.48 (m, 4H, ar), 7.25 (d, 2H, ar), 7.35 (s, 2H, ar), 7.75 (d, 4H, ar +CH=N), 7.84 (d, 2H, ar), 8.02 (s, 2H, ar). MS (45 eV), m/z =965(M+), 417, 278, 277.

G. Ionization Potential Protocol

Samples for ionization potential (Ip) measurements were prepared by dissolving Examples 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 16, 17, and Comparative Example A independently in tetrahydrofuran. Each solution was hand-coated on an aluminized polyester substrate that was precision coated with a methylcellulose-based adhesion sub-layer to form a charge transfer material (CTM) layer. The role of this sub-layer was to improve adhesion of the CTM layer, to retard crystallization of CTM, and to eliminate the electron photoemission from the A1 layer through possible CTM layer defects. No photoemission was detected from the A1 through the sub-layer at illumination with up to 6.4 eV quanta energy light. In addition, the adhesion sub-layer was conductive enough to avoid charge accumulation on it during measurement. The thickness of both the sub-layer and CTM layer was −0.4 μm. No binder material was used with CTM in the preparation of the samples for Ip measurements. In most cases, the thin CTM layers were in a meta-stabile amorphous phase, delaying crystallization for several hours, so that measurement of the sample was possible. In some cases, however, crystallization began immediately after coating, as was observed with Compound 9. The sample layer of this CTM was amorphous but crystal inclusions were present at the time of the Ip measurement.

The ionization potential was measured by the electron photoemission in air method similar to that described in “Ionization Potential of Organic Pigment Film by Atmospheric Photoelectron Emission Analysis”, Electrophotography, 28, Nr. 4, p. 364. (1989) by E. Miyamoto, Y. Yamaguchi, and M. Yokoyama, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The samples were illuminated with monochromatic light from the quartz monochromator with a deuterium lamp source. The power of the incident light beam was 2-5·10⁻⁸ W. The negative voltage of −300 V was supplied to the sample substrate. The counter-electrode with the 4.5×15 mm² slit for illumination was placed at 8 mm distance from the sample surface. The counter-electrode was connected to the input of the BK2-16 type electrometer, working in the open impute regime, for the photocurrent measurement. A 10⁻¹⁵-10⁻¹² amp photocurrent was flowing in the circuit under illumination. The photocurrent, I, was strongly dependent on the incident light photon energy hv. The I^(0.5)=f(hv) dependence was plotted. Usually the dependence of the square root of photocurrent on incident light quanta energy is well described by linear relationship near the threshold [see references “Ionization Potential of Organic Pigment Film by Atmospheric Photoelectron Emission Analysis”, Electrophotography, 28, Nr. 4, p. 364. (1989) by E. Miyamoto, Y. Yamaguchi, and M. Yokoyama; and “Photoemission in Solids”, Topics in Applied Physics, 26, 1-103. (1978) by M. Cordona and L. Ley]. The linear part of this dependence was extrapolated to the hv axis and Ip value was determined as the photon energy at the interception point. The ionization potential measurement has an error of ±0.03 eV.

H. Hole Mobility

Samples for charge carrier mobility measurements were prepared by dissolving Examples 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, and 17, and Comparative Example A independently in tetrahydrofuran with a binder to form 10% solid solutions. The binder was polycarbonate Z 200 (commercially obtained from Mitsubishi Engineering Plastics, White Plains, N.Y.). The sample/binder ratio was 4:6 or 5:5. Each solution was coated on an aluminized polyester substrate to form a charge transfer material (CTM) layer. The thickness of the CTM layer varied in the range of 5-10 μm. The mobility for samples such as Compound 9 with limited solubility could not be measured.

The hole drift mobility was measured by a time of flight technique as described in “The discharge kinetics of negatively charged Se electrophotographic layers,” Lithuanian Journal of Physics, 6, p. 569-576 (1966) by E. Montrimas, V. Gaidelis, and A. Pazera, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Positive corona charging created electric field inside the CTM layer. The charge carriers were generated at the layer surface by illumination with pulses of nitrogen laser (pulse duration was 2 ns, wavelength 337 nm). The layer surface potential decreased as a result of pulse illumination was up to 1-5 % of initial potential before illumination. The capacitance probe that was connected to the wide frequency band electrometer measured the speed of the surface potential dU/dt. The transit time t_(t) was determined by the change (kink) in the curve of the dU/dt transient in linear or double logarithmic scale. The drift mobility was calculated by the formula μ=d²/U₀·t_(t), where d is the layer thickness and U₀ is the surface potential at the moment of illumination.

Mobility values at electric field strength, E, of 6.4·10⁵ V/cm are given in the Table 3. The mobility field dependencies may be approximated by the function μ˜e^(α{square root}{square root over (E)})

where α is parameter characterizing mobility field dependence. The value of the parameter α is also given in Table 3. TABLE 3 Hole mobility and ionization potential of charge transport materials Mobility Mobility, cm²/Vs Relative to Compound Solubility at 6.4 × 10⁵ V/cm HCTM1 α Ip, eV  2 Sol. w/ / / / 5.44 heat  3 Sol. w/  1.1 × 10⁻⁵ at 40:60 with 1.22 / 5.34 heat PC  5 Sol. w/o  1.7 × 10⁻⁵ at 40:60 with 1.88 ˜0.006 5.38 heat PC  6 Sol. w/o  6.5 × 10⁻⁶ at 40:60 with 0.72 0.0053 5.23 heat PC  8 Sol. w/o  3.6 × 10⁻⁶ at 40:60, 0.40 ˜0.007 5.4 heat  5.6 × 10⁻⁶ at 50:50 with 0.62 0.009 PC  9 Insoluble / / 5.35, layer with crystal inclusions 16 1.05 × 10⁻⁷ 0.02 0.0075 5.00 17  1.0 × 10⁻⁷ 0.02 0.0073 5.05 Comparative  5.2 × 10⁻⁶ at 40:60, 0.58 ˜0.006 5.23 Example A*   9 × 10⁻⁶ at 50:50 with 1.00 0.0055 PC *Comparative Example A was Compound 2 in U.S. Pat. No. 6,140,004, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

I. Extended Electrostatic Cycling

Extended electrostatic cycling was performed using an in-house designed and developed test bed that tests up to 3 samples strips that were wrapped around a drum. The three coated sample strips, each measuring 50 cm long by 8.8 cm wide, were fastened side-by-side and completely around an aluminum drum (50.3 cm circumference). At least one of the strips was a control sample (compound 11) that was precision web coated and used as an internal reference point. In this electrostatic cycling tester, the drum rotated at a rate of 8.13 cm /min (3.2 ips) and the location of each station in the tester (distance and elapsed time per cycle) is given in Table 4: TABLE 4 Electrostatic test stations around the sample sheet wrapped drum. Total Distance, Total Time, Station Degrees cm sec Front erase bar edge  0°  Initial, 0 cm Initial, 0 s EraseBar   0-7.2°   0-1.0   0-0.12 Scorotron 113.1-135.3° 15.8-18.9 1.94-2.33 Laser Strike 161.0° 22.5 2.77 Probe #1 181.1° 25.3 3.11 Probe #2 251.2° 35.1 4.32 Erase bar 360°   50.3 6.19

The first electrostatic probe (TREK™ 344 electrostatic meter, commercially obtained from Trek Inc., Medina, N.Y.) is located 0.34 s after the laser strike station and 0.78 s after the scorotron. Also, the second probe (TREK™ 344 electrostatic meter) is located 1.21 s from the first probe and 1.99 s from the scorotron. All measurements were performed at ambient temperature and relative humidity.

Electrostatic measurements were obtained as a compilation of several tests. The first three diagnostic tests (prodstart, VlogE initial, dark decay initial) are designed to evaluate the electrostatic cycling of a new, fresh sample and the last three, identical diagnostic tests (prodend, VlogE final, dark decay final) are run after cycling of the sample (longrun).

1) PRODSTART: The erase bar was turned on during this diagnostic test and the sample recharged at the beginning of each cycle (except where indicated as scorotron off). The test sequence was as follows. The sample was completely charged for three complete drum revolutions (laser off); discharged with the laser @ 780 nm & 600 dpi on the forth cycle; completely charged for the next three cycles (laser off); discharged with only the erase lamp @ 720 nm on the eighth cycle (corona and laser off); and, finally, completely charged for the last three cycles (laser off).

2) VLOGE: This test measures the photoinduced discharge of the photoconductor to various laser intensity levels by monitoring the discharge voltage of the belt as a function of the laser power (exposure duration of 50 ns). The complete sample was charged and discharged at incremental laser power levels per each drum revolution. A semi-logarithmic plot was generated (voltage verses log E) to identify the sample's sensitivity and operational power settings.

3) DARK DECAY: This test measures the loss of charge acceptance with time without laser or erase illumination and can be used as an indicator of (i) the injection of residual holes from the charge generation layer to the charge transport layer, (ii) the thermal liberation of trapped charges, and (iii) the injection of charge from the surface or aluminum ground plane. After the belt has been completely charged, it was stopped and the probes measured the surface voltage over a period of 90 seconds. The decay in the initial voltage was plotted verses time.

4) LONGRUN: The belt was electrostatically cycled for 100 drum revolutions according to the following sequence per each belt-drum revolution. The belt was charged by the corona, the laser was cycled on and off (80-100° sections) to discharge a portion of the belt and, finally, the erase lamp discharged the whole belt in preparation for the next cycle. The laser was cycled so that the first section of the belt was never exposed, the second section was always exposed, the third section was never exposed, and the final section was always exposed. This pattern was repeated for a total of 100 drum revolutions and the data for every 5^(th) cycle was recorded.

5) After the 100th cycle (long run test), the PRODSTART (now called PRODEND), VLOGE, DARK DECAY diagnostic tests were run again.

Table 5 shows the results from the prodstart and prodend diagnostic tests. The values for the charge acceptance voltage (Vacc, probe #1 average voltage obtained from the third cycle), discharge voltage (Vdis, probe #1 average voltage obtained from the fourth cycle), functional dark decay voltage (Vdd, average voltage difference between probes 1 & 2 obtained from the third cycle), and the residual voltage (Vres, average voltage obtained from the eighth cycle) are reported for the initial and final (post 100^(th) cycle) cycles. TABLE 5 Electrostatic cycling of knife-coated inverted dual layer constructions. Vacc, Vacc, Vdd, Vdd, Vdis, Vdis, Vres, Vres, Compound intl final intl final intl final intl final  2 526 548 39 43 100 113 43 57  3 495 509 44 44 67 73 22 31  5 639 686 54 46 545 612 434 488  6 546 568 40 38 104 127 42 67  8 513 550 53 49 218 257 119 158 10 539 576 38 34 161 203 77 123 Comparative 568 577 32 36 57 62 16 23 Example A* Comparative 500 525 17 26 73 81 22 30 Example A* *Comparative Example A was Compound 2 in U.S. Pat. No. 6,140,004.

A. Synthesis

Compound (13)

Compound (13) was synthesized as follows. To a 2-liter 3-neck round bottom flask, equipped with mechanical stirrer and reflux condenser, were added 112.0 g (0.41 mole) of 4-(Diphenylamino)benzaldehyde (commercially obtained from Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis. and used as received) followed by the addition of 400 ml of THF. To this solution, were added, 48.77 g (0.45 mole) of phenylhydrazine (commercially obtained from Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis. and used as received). The solution was refluxed for 2 hours. After cooled to room temperature, the solvent was evaporated from the solution till the volume of the solution was 50 ml. Then a solid was precipitated by the addition of ethanol (50 ml), collected by filtration, washed with ethanol (50 ml), and dried in oven vacuum for 6 hours at 60° C. The yield was 146 g (98%). The ¹H-NMR spectrum and IR spectrum of the solid in CDCl₃ were in complete agreement with the expected product. The ¹H-NMR spectrum of the solid shows peaks at 3.8 ppm (N-H) (s; 1H) and 7.19-7.55 ppm (m; 20 H). The IR spectrum of the solid shows peaks at 1688 cm⁻¹ (C═O) and 3293 cm⁻¹ (N—H).

To a 250 ml 3-neck round bottom flask, equipped with mechanical stirrer and thermometer, were added DMSO (100 ml) and the solid product (18.17 g, 0.05 mole) from the reaction described above. The solution was heated at 30° C. until the solid product entered into solution. 1,5-Dibromopentane (5.75 g, 0.025 mole) (commercially obtained from Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.) was added to the solution and then 25% NaOH aqueous solution (20 g) was added. This solution was heated at 70-80° C. for 4 hours. After cooled to room temperature, a gummy material was observed in the bottom of the 3-neck round bottom flask. The liquid above the gummy material was removed by decantation. The remaining gummy material was washed repeatedly with water to form a solid which then was recrystallized first from toluene/ethanol (50:50 by volume) with activated charcoal. The material was recrystallized for the second and third time from ethanol with activated charcoal and silica gel (added only in the third recrystallization). The product was dried at 50° C. oven vacuum for 6 hours. The yield was 7.90 g (40%). The melting point was found to be 77° C. The ¹H-NMR spectrum and the IR spectrum of the product in CDCl₃ were in complete agreement with the proposed structure (3). The ¹H-NMR spectrum of the solid showed peaks at 1.51-1.59 ppm (m; 2H); 1.73-1.81 ppm (t; 4H); 3.86-3.99 ppm (t; 4H); and 6.95-7.64 ppm (m; 40H). The IR spectrum showed peaks at 2847 cm⁻¹, 2910 cm⁻¹, and 3031 cm⁻¹.

B. ¹H NMR Measurements

The ¹H-NMR spectra were obtained by a 300 MHz Bruker NMR spectrometer (obtained commercially from Bruker Instruments Inc., Billerica, Mass.) using CDCl₃ solvent with 0.03% v/v tetramethylsialine (obtained commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company) as the internal reference. The following abbreviations were used: s=singlet; d=doublet; dd=double doublet; m=multiplet; q=quartet; and t=triplet.

C. IR Spectrum Measurements

The IR sample was obtained by placing a CH₂Cl₂ solution of the sample on an IR cards (3M disposable substrate type 61 polyethylene obtained commercially from 3M, St. Paul, Minn.). The IR spectrum was obtained by a Perkin Elmer 16 PC FT-IR Spectrometer obtained commercially from Perkin Elmer, Norwalk, Conn.

D. Melting Point Measurement

Melting Point of Compound 13 was collected using a TA Instruments Model 2929 Differential Scanning Calorimeter (New Castle, Del.) equipped with a DSC refrigerated cooling system (−70° C. minimum temperature limit), and dry helium and nitrogen exchange gases. The calorimeter ran on a Thermal Analyst 2100 workstation with version 8.10B software. An empty aluminum pall was used as the reference.

The samples were prepared by placing 4.0 to 8.0 mg of Compound (3) into an aluminum sample pan and crimping the upper lid to produce a hermetically sealed sample for DSC testing. The results were normalized on a per mass basis.

Each sample was subjected to the following protocol to evaluate its thermal transition behavior:

-   17. Equilibrate at 0° C. (Default—Nitrogen Heat Exchange Gas); -   18. Isothermal for 5 min.; -   19. External Event: Nitrogen Heat Exchange Gas; -   20. Ramp 10.0° C./min. to a temperature 200° C.;

E. Organophotoreceptor Preparation Method

Inverted dual layer organophotoreceptors were prepared incorporating Compound (13) and Comparative Example A (Formula (3) of U.S. Patent No. 6,066,426) obtained according to U.S. Patent No. 6,066,426. A charge transport solution containing 50 wt. % of Compound (3) in Polycarbonate Z binder was prepared by combining a solution of 1.25 g of Compound (3) in 8.0 g of tetrahydrofuran with 1.25 g of Polycarbonate Z in 2.50 g of toluene. The charge transport solution was then hand-coated with a Maier rod (# 40) onto a 76 micrometer (3 mil) thick aluminized polyethylene terephthalate film (MELINEX™ 442 polyester film from Dupont having a 1 ohm/square aluminum vapor coat) having a 0.3 micron polyester resin sub-layer (VITEL PE-2200 from Bostik, Middletown, Mass.) and dried to form a charge transport layer having a thickness of 9 micrometers.

A dispersion was prepared by micronising 1.35 g of oxytitanium phthalocyanine pigment (H. W. Sands Corp., Jupiter, Fla.), 1.35 g of S-LEC™ B Bx-5 polyvinylbutryal resin (Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd.), 26 g of methyl ethyl ketone, and 13 g of toluene using a horizontal sand mill operating in recirculation mode for 8 hours. The resulting dispersion was then die coated onto unsubbed 2 mil (51 micrometer) thick polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film and dried at 80° C. for 10 minutes to form a charge generating layer having a thickness of 0.27 micrometer on the PET film.

The charge transport layer and the charge generating layer were laminated together at 140° C. using a Model 447 Matchprint TM Laminator (obtained commercially from Imation Corp., Oakdale, Minn.). After lamination, the 2 mil (51 micrometer) PET film was peeled off the surface of the charge generation layer to form the inverted dual layer organophotoreceptor.

F. Electrostatic Testing

Electrostatic testing was performed on a number of inverted dual layer organophotoreceptor samples. The samples were prepared either by lamination or by die coating.

Electrostatic testing of Compound (13) and a control (structure was performed and recorded on a QEA PDT-2000 instrument at ambient temperature. Charge-up was performed at 8 kV. Discharge was performed by exposing the photoreceptor to a 780 mn-filtered tungsten light source down a fiber optic cable. Each sample was exposed to 2 microjoules/cm² of energy for 0.05 seconds; the total exposure intensity was 20 microwatts/cm². After charge-up, the acceptance voltage (V_(acc)) was measured in volts. This value was recorded as V_(acc) after one cycle. Following this initial charge-up, a one second dark decay followed before the sample was discharged with the 0.05 second light pulse of 2 microjules/cm² at 780 nm, one second after which the decrease in voltage (Contrast) was measured in volts. Then the charge on the sample was further reduced by an eraser lamp. The final residual voltage (V_(res)) on the sample was measured in volts. V_(acc) and V_(res) were also measured after a total of 1000 cycles. In general, it is desirable to maximize V_(acc) and to minimize V_(res). TABLE 6 Sample V_(acc) (V) Dark Decay (V) V_(res) (V) Contrast (V) Compound 13 363 142 18 195 Comparative 377 135 16 211 Example A

The data in Table 6 indicate that Compound (13) is suitable for making photoreceptors.

Compound (14)

The first step was the preparation of a 3-formyl-9-ethylcarbazole by Vilsmeier reaction. 9-Ethylcarbazole (obtained commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company, Milwaukee, Wis.) was dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF) and then the solution is cooled. Phosphorus oxychloride (POCl₃) (10-15% excess) is added slowly via a dropping funnel to the cooled DMF solution. 3-Formyl-9-ethylcarbazole was isolated and purified.

To a 2-liter 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with mechanical stirrer and reflux condenser and heating mantle were added 3-formyl-9-ethylcarbazole (1 mole, 223 g) and tetrahydrofuran (600 ml). Heating was applied to ensure that all solid entered into solution. Phenyl hydrazine (119 g, 1.1 mole, obtained commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company, Milwaukee, Wis.) was added and the mixture was refluxed for 2 hours. When TLC showed the total disappearance of the starting material and the formation of the product, the flask was allowed to cool to room temperature and the solvent was evaporated. 3-Formyl-9-ethylcarbazole hydrazone was isolated and purified.

To a 2-liter 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with mechanical stirrer and reflux condenser and heating mantle were added 4-(diphenylamino)benzaldehyde (1 mole, 273 g, commercially obtained from Fluke, Milwaukee, Wis.) and tetrahydrofuran (600 ml). Heating was applied to ensure that all solid entered into solution. Phenyl hydrazine (119 g, 1.1 mole, obtained commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company, Milwaukee, Wis.) was added and the mixture was refluxed for 2 hours. When TLC showed the total disappearance of the starting material and the formation of the product, the flask was allowed to cool to room temperature and the solvent was evaporated. 4-(Diphenylamino)benzaldehyde hydrazone was isolated and purified.

To a 2-liter 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with mechanical stirrer and reflux condenser and heating mantle were added 4-quinolinecarboxaldehyde (1 mole, 157.17 g, obtained commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company, Milwaukee, Wis.) and tetrahydrofuran (600 ml). Heating was applied to ensure that all solid entered into solution. Phenyl hydrazine (119 g, 1.1 mole, obtained commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company, Milwaukee, Wis.) was added and the mixture was refluxed for 2 hours. When TLC showed the total disappearance of the starting material and the formation of the product, the flask was allowed to cool to room temperature and the solvent was evaporated. 4-Quinolinecarboxaldehyde hydrazone was isolated and purified.

The last step was the reaction of 3-formyl-9-ethylcarbazole hydrazone, 4-(diphenylamino)benzaldehyde hydrazone, and 4-quinolinecarboxaldehyde hydrazone obtained above with a 1,2,3-tribromopropane to form Compound (14). 3-Formyl-9-ethylcarbazole hydrazone was dissolved in DMSO. After the addition of 25% aqueous solution of NaOH, 1,2,3-tribromopropane was added to the solution. The molar ratio of 3-formyl-9-ethylcarbazole hydrazone to 1,2,3-tribromopropane was 1:1. This solution was stirred at 70° C. for approximately 1 hour. To this solution was added 4-(diphenylamino)-benzaldehyde hydrazone. The molar ratio of 4-(diphenylamino)benzaldehyde hydrazone to 1,2,3-tribromopropane was 1:1. After the addition was completed, the solution was heated at 70° C. for additional one hour. To this solution was added 4-quinolinecarboxaldehyde hydrazone. The molar ratio of 4-quinolinecarboxaldehyde hydrazone to 1,2,3-tribromopropane was 1:1. After the addition is completed, the solution was heated at 70° C. for additional one hour. The product from this reaction was isolated and purified.

Compound (15)

The first step was the preparation of a 3-formyl-9-ethylcarbazole by Vilsmeier reaction. 9-Ethylcarbazole (obtained commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company, Milwaukee, Wis.) was dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF) and then the solution is cooled. Phosphorus oxychloride (POCl₃) (10-15% excess) is added slowly via a dropping funnel to the cooled DMF solution. 3-Formyl-9-ethylcarbazole was isolated and purified.

To a 2-liter 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with mechanical stirrer and reflux condenser and heating mantle were added 3-formyl-9-ethylcarbazole (1 mole, 223 g) and tetrahydrofuran (600 ml). Heating was applied to ensure that all solid entered into solution. Phenyl hydrazine (119 g, 1.1 mole, obtained commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company, Milwaukee, Wis.) was added and the mixture was refluxed for 2 hours. When TLC showed the total disappearance of the starting material and the formation of the product, the flask was allowed to cool to room temperature and the solvent was evaporated. 3-Formyl-9-ethylcarbazole hydrazone was isolated and purified.

To a 2-liter 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with mechanical stirrer and reflux condenser and heating mantle were added 4-(diphenylamino)benzaldehyde (1 mole, 273 g, commercially obtained from Fluke, Milwaukee, Wis.) and tetrahydrofuran (600 ml). Heating was applied to ensure that all solid entered into solution. Phenyl hydrazine (119 g, 1.1 mole, obtained commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company, Milwaukee, Wis.) was added and the mixture was refluxed for 2 hours. When TLC showed the total disappearance of the starting material and the formation of the product, the flask was allowed to cool to room temperature and the solvent was evaporated. 4-(Diphenylamino)benzaldehyde hydrazone was isolated and purified.

To a 2-liter 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with mechanical stirrer and reflux condenser and heating mantle were added 9-formyl-julolidine (1 mole, 201 g, obtained commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company, Milwaukee, Wis.) and tetrahydrofuran (600 ml). Heating was applied to ensure that all solid entered into solution. Phenyl hydrazine (119 g, 1.1 mole, obtained commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company, Milwaukee, Wis.) was added and the mixture was refluxed for 2 hours. When TLC showed the total disappearance of the starting material and the formation of the product, the flask was allowed to cool to room temperature and the solvent was evaporated. 9-Formyl-julolidine hydrazone was isolated and purified.

The last step was the reaction of 3-formyl-9-ethylcarbazole hydrazone, 4-(diphenylamino)benzaldehyde hydrazone, and 9-formyl-julolidine hydrazone obtained above with a 1,2,3-tribromopropane to form Compound (15). 3-Formyl-9-ethylcarbazolehydrazone was dissolved in DMSO. After the addition of 25% aqueous solution of NaOH, 1,2,3-tribromopropane was added to the solution. The molar ratio of 3-formyl-9-ethylcarbazole hydrazone to 1,2,3-tribromopropane was 1:1. This solution was stirred at 70° C. for approximately 1 hour. To this solution was added 4-(diphenylamino)-benzaldehyde hydrazone. The molar ratio of 4-(diphenylamino)benzaldehyde hydrazone to 1,2,3-tribromopropane was 1:1. After the addition was completed, the solution was heated at 70° C. for additional one hour. To this solution was added 9-formyl-julolidine hydrazone. The molar ratio of 9-formyl-julolidine hydrazone to 1,2,3-tribromopropane was 1:1. After the addition is completed, the solution was heated at 70° C. for additional one hour. The product from this reaction was isolated and purified.

G. Investigation of Unexpected Results

Upon investigation of the physical properties of the exemplified compounds, it was noted mixture of at least two charge control materials increased the solubility of each of the compounds, increasing the concentration of charge control material that could be provided in solutions and in coatings. This finding is supported by the following data.

Evaluation of a mixture of Compound 2 and Compound 3

The following solutions were prepared and did not precipitate when left overnight in THF (tetrahydrofuran) solvent. A 15% solid and a 20% solid formulation of a 1-to-1 ratio of polycarbonate (CTM:PCZ200), using a 50:50 mixture of Compound 2 and Compound 3 (referred to in the Table as Cmpd 2,3) for the CTM. Both of these solutions were knife coated on PET (polyethylene terephthalate) using the above described positive charging IDL construction. The electrostatics were recorded on Hawk Mech and compared with two other samples of compound 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,140,004 (referred to in the table as PA) at 15% and 20% solids, as shown in the following table: TABLE 7 Prodstart Prodstop Material CA Disch. Contr. DD Res. CA Disch. Cont. DD Res. 15% 492 52 440 38 20 515 61 454 35 30 Cmpd 2, 3 20% 484 55 429 35 25 538 75 463 34 38 Cmpd 2, 3 15% PA 477 38 439 30 11 488 44 444 33 14 20% PA 498 67 451 35 21 618 76 542 34 29

In the above Table 7: CA is the charge acceptance voltage, the maximum voltage that the sample can obtain (with the given laser settings) and measured by the probe 1.

Disch. Is the discharge voltage obtained after illumination of the charged photoconductor with light, as measured by the probe 1.

DD is the dark decay measured as the voltage difference between probe 1 and probe 2, and is obtained when the charge acceptance voltage is measured.

Res. is the residual voltage measured after allowing for one drum revolution, then exposing the photoconductor to LED (light emitting diode) light, and measured at probe 1.

Contr. is the contrast of the charge on charged and discharged areas.

The above descriptions and examples are intended to provide a broad and generic teaching and enablement of a generic invention. The examples should not be read as imposing limits upon the general and generic terms used to describe the practice of the present invention. Generic and specific embodiments are described within the following claims. 

1. A charge transport compound having the following formula: (R-Q)_(n)-Ywhere R is an (N,N-disubstituted)arylamine group; Q comprises an aliphatic or aromatic hydrazone linking group; n is 2; and Y comprises a bridging group comprising an aryl group having the formula —Ar₁-G-Ar₂— where Ar₁ and Ar₂ are, each independently, an arylene group and G comprises a bond, O, S, —SO₂—, an imine group, an alkylene group, or an aromatic group.
 2. The charge transport compound of claim 1 wherein the hydrazone linking group has the formula:

where Z is an alkyl group or an aryl group; and X is a linking group.
 3. The charge transport compound of claim 2 wherein X is —(CH₂)_(m)— where m is an integer between 0 and
 20. 4. The charge transport compound of claim 3 wherein m is
 0. 5. The charge transport compound of claim 1 wherein Y has the formula:

where A₁, A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅, A₆, A₇, and A₈ comprise, each independently, H, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a cyano group, a nitro group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, a halogen, an acyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylsulfanyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, a part of a ring group, such as cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups, and a benzo group, or an alkyl group where one or more of the hydrogens of the alkyl group is optionally replaced by an aromatic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, or a halogen.
 6. The charge transport compound of claim 1 wherein the (N,N-disubstituted)arylamine group comprises a triarylamine group.
 7. The charge transport compound of claim 6 wherein the triarylamine group has the formula:

where R₁₀, R₁₁, and R₁₂ are, each independently, H, an alkyl group, or aryl group.
 8. An organophotoreceptor comprising: (a) a charge transport compound having the formula (R-Q)_(n)-Y where R is an (N,N-disubstituted)arylamine group; Q comprises an aliphatic or aromatic hydrazone linking group; n is 2; and Y comprises a bridging group comprising an aryl group having the formula —Ar₁-G-Ar₂- where Ar₁ and Ar₂ are, each independently, an arylene group and G comprises a bond, O, S, —SO₂—, an imine group, an alkylene group, or an aromatic group; (b) a charge generating compound; and (c) an electrically conductive substrate on which the charge transport compound and the charge generating compound are located.
 9. The organophotoreceptor of claim 8 wherein the hydrazone linking group has the formula:

where Z is an alkyl group or an aryl group; and X is a linking group.
 10. The organophotoreceptor of claim 9 wherein X is —(CH₂)_(m)— where m is an integer between 0 and
 20. 11. The organophotoreceptor of claim 8 wherein Y has the formula:

where A₁, A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅, A₆, A₇, and A₈ comprise, each independently, H, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a cyano group, a nitro group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, a halogen, an acyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylsulfanyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, a part of a ring group, such as cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups, and a benzo group, or an alkyl group where one or more of the hydrogens of the alkyl group is optionally replaced by an aromatic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, or a halogen.
 12. An electrophotographic imaging apparatus comprising: (a) a plurality of support rollers; and (b) an organophotoreceptor in the form of a flexible belt threaded around said support rollers, said organophotoreceptor comprising: (i) a charge transport compound having the formula ((R-Q)_(n)-Y where R is an (N,N-disubstituted)arylamine group; Q comprises an aliphatic or aromatic hydrazone linking group; n is 2; and Y comprises a bridging group comprising an aryl group having the formula —Ar₁-G-Ar₂— where Ar₁ and Ar₂ are, each independently, an arylene group and G comprises a bond, O, S, —SO₂—, an imine group, an alkylene group, or an aromatic group; (ii) a charge generating compound; and (iii) an electrically conductive substrate.
 13. The electrophotographic imaging apparatus of claim 12 wherein the hydrazone linking group has the formula:

where Z is an alkyl group or an aryl group; and X is a linking group.
 14. The electrophotographic imaging apparatus of claim 13 wherein X is —(CH₂)_(m)— where m is an integer between 0 and
 20. 15. The electrophotographic imaging apparatus of claim 12 wherein Y has the formula:

where A₁, A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅, A₆, A₇, and A₈ comprise, each independently, H, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a cyano group, a nitro group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, a halogen, an acyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylsulfanyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, a part of a ring group, such as cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups, and a benzo group, or an alkyl group where one or more of the hydrogens of the alkyl group is optionally replaced by an aromatic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, or a halogen.
 16. An electrophotographic imaging process comprising: (a) applying an electrical charge to a surface of an organophotoreceptor comprising: (i) a charge transport compound having the formula (R-Q)_(n)-Y where R is an (N,N-disubstituted)arylamine group; Q comprises an aliphatic or aromatic hydrazone linking group; n is 2; and Y comprises a bridging group comprising an aryl group having the formula —Ar₁-G-Ar₂— where Ar₁ and Ar₂ are, each independently, an arylene group and G comprises a bond, O, S, —SO₂—, an imine group, an alkylene group, or an aromatic group; (ii) a charge generating compound; and (iii) an electrically conductive substrate; (b) imagewise exposing said surface of said organophotoreceptor to radiation to dissipate charge in selected areas and thereby form a pattern of charged and uncharged areas on said surface; (c) contacting said surface with a toner comprising colorant particles; and (d) transferring said toned image to a substrate.
 17. The electrophotographic imaging process of claim 16 wherein the hydrazone linking group has the formula:

where Z is an alkyl or an aryl group; and X is a linking group.
 18. The electrophotographic imaging process of claim 17 wherein X is —(CH₂)_(m)— where m is an integer between 0 and
 20. 19. The electrophotographic imaging process of claim 16 wherein Y has the formula:

where A₁, A₂, A₃, A₄, A₅, A₆, A₇, and A₈ comprise, each independently, H, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a cyano group, a nitro group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, a halogen, an acyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylsulfanyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, a part of a ring group, such as cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups, and a benzo group, or an alkyl group where one or more of the hydrogens of the alkyl group is optionally replaced by an aromatic group, a hydroxyl group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, an amino group, or a halogen.
 20. The electrophotographic imaging process of claim 16 wherein the (N,N-disubstituted)arylamine group has the formula:

where R₁₀, R₁₁, and R₁₂ are, each independently, H, an alkyl group, or aryl group. 